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Verstappen ‘genuinely a challenger’ as Formula One championship title race hots up, says Norris

Gulf Today

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October 03, 2025

Lando Norris admitted in Singapore on Thursday that Max Verstappen was now ‘genuinely a challenger’ as the 2025 Formula One championship enters the final laps of the season.

Verstappen ‘genuinely a challenger’ as Formula One championship title race hots up, says Norris

The Red Bull driver is targeting a third consecutive grand prix win on Sunday -- and first ever in Singapore -- and is now just 44 points behind second-placed Norris after wins in Monza and Baku.

Championship leader Oscar Piastri’s crash in Baku saw Verstappen reduce the gap to the Australian to 69 points.

Asked if Verstappen was looming as a threat with just seven of 24 grands prix to go in 2095, Norris told reporters: “(He’s) genuinely a challenger.

“Couple of weeks ago, they bought some upgrades, and it seems like that’s kind of put them back on the same level as us.

“The last few weekends have been closer, so we expect battles.”

Norris won at Singapore's Marina Bay Circuit 12 months ago, and said it was important that McLaren quickly reestablish their dominance after a shoddy weekend in Baku.

MEER VERHALEN VAN Gulf Today

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