Max: I'd be champion in a McLaren

MAX Verstappen has told Lando Norris that if he was driving his McLaren the world championship would “easily” be over.

- By PHILIP DUNCAN

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s pivotal Qatar Grand Prix, Red Bull's Verstappen said Norris will be feeling the pressure of trying to close out his maiden Formula One title.

The four-time world champion also revealed he remains in close contact with Christian Horner - admitting he speaks to the former Red Bull principal at every race - and claimed age is a factor behind Lewis Hamilton's troubled first year at Ferrari.

Verstappen had fallen 104 points off the championship pace, but he heads into the final two rounds just 24 points adrift of Norris. Norris’ McLaren team secured the constructors’ championship in Azerbaijan in September.

“Your dream is to win a championship and that is when the pressure is on,’ Verstappen told PA.