Max Verstappen makes Lando Norris race win prediction for 2024 Formula 1 season

Follow us on Google Discover

Max Verstappen has suggested that McLaren star and close friend Lando Norris will finally secure his first race win in Formula 1 this season.

Lando Norris now has more than 100 Grand Prix under his belt and has finished on the podium the joint most times of any other driver without a victory.

Speaking to Viaplay, Max Verstappen believes that the 24-year-old might finally stand on the top step of the podium.

Verstappen backs Norris to achieve first F1 win in 2024

More than half of the current Formula 1 grid have a victory to their name already.

Both Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes and Alpine drivers have stood on the top step of the podium as well as Fernando Alonso, Valtteri Bottas and Daniel Ricciardo.

Even Oscar Piastri might argue that he’s a race winner too after crossing the line first during the Sprint Race in Qatar last year, although it doesn’t officially count according to Formula 1 rules.

Of the drivers left that could still win their first race, Norris appears to be the most likely candidate although Max Verstappen is going to be a tough man to stop.

He was miles clear of the rest of the grid in Bahrain with teammate Sergio Perez unable to finish within 20 seconds of the Dutchman.

McLaren have a quick car and will expect to be in a stronger position in Saudi Arabia on Saturday given the Bahrain circuit has never suited their setup.

Unfortunately, they may need Red Bull to suffer from some reliability issues to have any chance of securing that top spot.

Norris still dreaming of maiden Formula 1 victory

Asked by the Viaplay host, “Which drivers will win a race this year?” Verstappen replied: “Well, for sure I hope I do! But we won’t write that down. I think I’ll go for someone that hasn’t won one yet.”

He was asked to be more specific and Verstappen simply said: “Lando [Norris].”

Norris will hope Verstappen’s prediction comes true and he can finally get his first race win.

The 24-year-old has come close on multiple occasions and at times last season it was only the Dutchman who denied him.

If he carries on in the same dominant manner, then it’s hard to see Verstappen’s prediction coming true.

Formula 1 needs less predictability right now and Norris would be an incredibly popular first-time winner if he can finally break his duck.