With Max Verstappen all but set to wrap up a fourth successive Formula 1 Drivers’ title, our writers give their verdict on who out of Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc will finish best of the rest.
After his stunning drive in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos, Verstappen holds a 62-point lead over Norris in the Drivers’ standings with just 86 left to play. If the Red Bull driver finishes ahead of Norris, or the McLaren driver fails to score in Las Vegas, the title will be decided.
With Norris’ title challenge all but dead and buried, the question is whether he can hold Ferrari’s Leclerc at bay to retain second in the championship. As it stands, Norris has 331 points to Leclerc’s 307 points before F1 heads to Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi for the season-ending triple-header.
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Who will claim second in the Drivers’ Championship: Lando Norris or Charles Leclerc?
Editor – Taylor Powling
Leclerc has been the most in-form driver since the summer break, achieving the highest average finishing position in the seven races since the campaign resumed. The fact that he even has a chance at finishing runner-up in 2024 is a testament to the level he has operated at and the sheer number of points that McLaren and Norris have squandered. Nevertheless, McLaren possessing the more consistent package should be enough to see Norris salvage second place.
Deputy Editor – Dan Lawrence
Norris’ advantage over Leclerc for second in the Drivers’ standings is one point shy of a Grand Prix win. With three races and one Sprint left to play, that is a comfortable margin that will be hard for Leclerc to erode. McLaren’s pace makes Norris a safe bet for consistent podium appearances in Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. I expect Norris to secure the consolation price of second in the Drivers’ Championship after his fight for first faded in Brazil.
Grand Prix Editor – Phil Horton
Again, as with the Constructors’ battle, Norris effectively has a round’s worth of points over Leclerc with three to play. Both have scored strongly at each race since the summer break and realistically to finish second in the championship Leclerc will need Norris to have a howler at one of the upcoming weekends – and then take a big haul of points. It’s not a championship position either will be hugely enthralled by but I’d back Norris to bring it home in second.
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F1 Reporter – Harry Whitfield
I’m leaning towards McLaren with Norris over Leclerc. However, I do believe that this battle could be a lot closer than the Constructors despite Norris’ title aspirations. Brazil was a low point for the British driver after missing out on a chance to catch up to Verstappen. I suspect that Leclerc and Ferrari should be quick in Las Vegas and it will be tough for Norris to shake off the disappointment of the last race. However, I think he will recover in Qatar as the McLaren had great pace at the venue last season, with both drivers on the podium. That should mean that the gap will be unrealistic for Leclerc to catch, but I do expect one final twist in Abu Dhabi to make it very close right to the end of the season.
F1 Reporter – James Phillips
Providing his dire performance in Brazil remains an anomaly, Norris has every chance of securing second place in the standings behind Verstappen. The Briton is searingly fast on a Saturday but still has an unfortunate habit of getting inside his own head on a Sunday and compromising his race. This trait must disappear in the final three races for a single vital reason. Las Vegas proved disastrous last season as he crashed out on Lap 3, a feat he will want to avoid at all costs in 2024. If he navigates The Strip unscathed and ends up on the podium, circuits more suited to the MCL38 await. Norris and McLaren historically perform well in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, and when Norris feels at one with his car, he is unstoppable; Zandvoort and Singapore prove this. If he rediscovers his form, Norris is all but guaranteed second place in the standings. But if another race like Brazil unfolds, Leclerc is waiting to pounce.
FE Editor/F1 Reporter – Jack Oliver Smith
I believe that despite the momentum being somewhat in Ferrari’s favour, Norris will get second in the Drivers’ Championship. Despite the shortcomings in his performances in a few races, he has proved he has the attributes to compete on his day and he should get it over the line.
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