Norris feels the heat as Max roars into desert

McLaren chasing 3rd straight double podium

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Formula One leader Lando Norris has Max Verstappen breathing down his neck and only a point separating the pair ahead of a Bahrain Grand Prix that could trigger a change at the top on Sunday.

Verstappen dominated last year's race at Sakhir, the now-four-time world champion leading from pole to flag with fastest lap as Red Bull celebrated a one-two finish for the second season in a row.

A third successive win for Verstappen at the desert circuit, even if a onetwo now looks highly unlikely, would be another big statement after a victory in Japan last weekend that ended McLaren's winning start.

“Bahrain [is a] completely different track, very tough on tyres... we still have work to do,” said Verstappen after Suzuka, the start of a triple header that ends in Saudi Arabia next week.