Ralf Schumacher says ‘amazing’ driver could challenge Max Verstappen if he sorts out his qualifying

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Ralf Schumacher has now shared that he’s a big fan of McLaren driver Lando Norris and believes that there’s a chance he can challenge Max Verstappen this season.

McLaren were the first team to reveal their livery this season but their final car won’t be seen until testing.

Speaking on the Formula For Success Podcast, Ralf Schumacher was speaking about who could potentially win the title this year.

Based on the last few seasons, the overwhelming favourite simply has to be Max Verstappen.

He dominated the field last season, missing out on just three victories all year.

However, the gap between Red Bull and the rest of the field could narrow heading into 2024, with Christian Horner admitting the team are reaching the point of ‘diminishing returns’.

That means McLaren might feel they could be in with a shout of challenging for races this season.

Ralf Schumacher certainly believes that could be the case and is looking at Lando Norris as a potential contender to fight Verstappen this year.

The 24-year-old has yet to win a race but is undeniably quick and should be winning races sooner rather than later.

However, there’s a difference between fighting at the front of the grid and beating Max Verstappen.

The three-time world champion was in unbeatable form last year and will be hoping to carry that into 2024.

Schumacher backs Norris to challenge Verstappen

Speaking about the young Brit, Schumacher said: “Yeah, Lando [Norris] is an amazing racer but maybe he sometimes wants a bit too much in qualifying and he could be the one to challenge Max [Verstappen] if the car is [good].”

Norris will be pleased to hear that McLaren already have an upgrade package planned for the start of the 2024 campaign.

They’re going to need every bit of help they can get if they’re going to fight the likes of Red Bull and Mercedes this year.

Schumacher is echoing the thoughts of many F1 fans when he wants to see someone fight Verstappen and Norris is a worthy candidate.

There’s even been talk of the pair ending up as teammates at Red Bull one day.

McLaren will be in no rush to let him go, even if they’re offered a huge sum to release him from his contract.