The head-to-head for the 2024 drivers' championship has exposed a psychological gap between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, according to F1 pundits.
Christian Danner, former F1 driver and well-known German commentator, observed that Verstappen delivered "incredible psychological blows" in the final laps at Interlagos, where he rose from P17 to victory.
"At the end of the race, when he was already in the lead, he did one fastest lap after another," Danner told Servus TV. "In doing so, he's dealing incredible blows to all the others. The message was 'Why are you even bothering?'"
Danner continued, "In addition to this insane performance, he is just incredibly stable. It is clear that he is strong, but he is also mentally very strong and cannot be shaken."
In contrast, Norris, who has competed closely with his friend Verstappen this season, has openly discussed his nerves before races and has struggled with race starts and driving errors.
Danner noted that Norris, 24, made several mistakes from pole position in Brazil.
"It's no wonder he has no self-confidence anymore," said Danner. "There is only one way to overcome your insecurities as a driver, and that is to be successful."
Danner highlighted Verstappen's calm approach, even from P17 in challenging wet conditions: "'Yes, I'm far behind, but I know what I'm doing'. That's what it's all about," said Danner. "That's what characterises the absolute greats."
Another former F1 driver, Christijan Albers, also observed the psychological contrast, saying, "Drivers like Lando Norris make far too many mistakes," in an interview with De Telegraaf.
"He also got irritated in the interviews, when of course the questions are going to be about the world championship."
Albers sees this difference reflected in the teams, noting, "At McLaren, they've kind of just thrown it away. Things can turn around very quickly in Formula 1, and Verstappen has completely turned it around."
He added, "The pressure was on, and then Norris and Oscar Piastri failed, because they're not consistent. I miss that fighting spirit and aggression at McLaren. You don't see it in them, but you do see it at Red Bull."
