Lando Norris’ hopes of clinching the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship have all but evaporated, with his slim chances extinguished following a turbulent Brazilian Grand Prix. While the spotlight shines on Max Verstappen’s improbable victory from P17 on the grid, ex-F1 driver Karun Chandhok argues that the real story lies in McLaren’s slow start to the season—a misstep that left Norris playing catch-up from the outset.
The First Five Races: A Championship Lost Before It Began
Speaking on the Sky F1 Podcast, Chandhok pinpointed McLaren’s lackluster performance in the opening five rounds as the decisive factor in the championship battle. While Verstappen dominated with four victories in those early races, McLaren struggled to find their footing, leaving Norris trailing by a staggering 52 points by the Miami Grand Prix.
“The championship wasn’t lost in Brazil—it was lost in the first five races,” Chandhok said. “Verstappen built an insurmountable advantage during that period. It’s very reminiscent of Jenson Button’s dominance in 2009, where an early lead proved decisive.”
Despite McLaren’s impressive resurgence, with Norris clinching his first win in Miami and emerging as Verstappen’s primary rival by the Spanish Grand Prix, the early gap was simply too vast to overcome.
A Season to Celebrate, but Not Without Regret
By the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Norris had whittled Verstappen’s lead to just 44 points, but a wet and chaotic race at Interlagos saw the Dutchman extend his championship advantage to 62 points. Chandhok believes Norris’ performance in Brazil, while admirable, highlighted the gulf between McLaren and Red Bull’s pace, especially in crucial moments.
“I think McLaren can be proud of the season Norris has put together,” Chandhok said. “But when you’re starting so far behind in the standings heading into Miami, the writing is already on the wall.”
Errors in Brazil: A Harsh Reality Check
Chandhok also agreed with Norris’ candid post-race assessment that McLaren lacked the pace to challenge Verstappen in Brazil, even without the unforced errors the Briton committed during the race. Multiple off-track excursions and struggles to clear rivals like George Russell and the Alpine drivers showcased the limitations of McLaren’s race-day package compared to Verstappen’s Red Bull.
“If Norris had Verstappen’s pace, he would’ve passed Russell and the Alpines, red flag or not,” Chandhok added. “But the reality is, McLaren didn’t have the car to match Red Bull at Interlagos, and Verstappen capitalized on that.”
What’s Next for Norris and McLaren?
While Norris has fallen short in his title bid, McLaren has reason to be optimistic heading into 2025. The team’s mid-season turnaround—marked by aerodynamic upgrades and Norris’ consistent podium finishes—signals that they are closing the gap to Red Bull. However, Chandhok warns that a stronger start next season will be critical if Norris hopes to dethrone Verstappen.
“Their recovery this year was impressive, but the margins in F1 are razor-thin,” Chandhok concluded. “McLaren has to ensure they hit the ground running in 2025 if they want to challenge for the championship.”
A Familiar Formula in F1
Verstappen’s early-season dominance and Norris’ valiant but ultimately insufficient pursuit bear striking similarities to past title races, like Jenson Button’s 2009 campaign. For McLaren, the lesson is clear: in a sport where momentum is everything, there’s no room for a slow start.