Verstappen addresses whittling title lead after latest Norris defeat

Max Verstappen has addressed his whittling title lead after Lando Norris cruised to victory in the Singapore Grand Prix.

Verstappen started the race in second alongside Norris but failed to make a better start than the Briton. 

The Dutchman maintained his position going into the first corner but quickly fell comfortably behind Norris. Norris’ pace was unmatchable for Verstappen, who settled for second place. 

Overall, Verstappen is pleased with a podium and his lonely race, given that Red Bull did not expect a competitive performance ahead of the weekend.

“Yeah, I think that’s pretty much my race just by myself,” Verstappen said. “Trying to do the best I could, try to manage my own pace to the end. 

“I think the first stint was a bit difficult for us, quite a bit of tyre degradation. The second stint was a bit better. I was a bit more comfortable as well. 

“So yeah, on a weekend where we knew that we were going to struggle, to be P2 is a good achievement. 

“Of course, we’re not happy with second. Now we just have to try and improve more and more, and that’s all we’ll try to do.”

Verstappen’s lead further reduced

Norris’ victory has reduced Verstappen’s lead in the drivers’ championship to 52 points, whilst McLaren now sit 41 points ahead of Red Bull in the constructors’ standings.

The McLaren driver was looking set to also secure the fastest lap; however, that was taken by Daniel Ricciardo on the last lap.

Norris has six races and three sprints left to overhaul his deficit to the three-time world champion.

Verstappen has seen his lead decrease across several races and is keen to end Norris’ momentum in the championship fight.

“Yeah, it is,” accepted Verstappen. “But this also can change very quickly again.

“So we just need to keep on trying. Of course, at one point, try to overturn it a bit. You know, not always finishing behind, but we’ll see how that goes.”