The McLaren Formula 1 driver expressed his thoughts on the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix, stating that it is difficult to predict the winner but he believes the Italian team has the advantage following Charles Leclerc’s recent victory in Monaco.
Norris mentioned on Thursday that he considers Ferrari as the favorite for the race. He emphasized the excitement of the unknown outcome, as it is uncertain whether McLaren, Ferrari, or Red Bull will emerge victorious.
Red Bull, led by three-time champion Max Verstappen, dominated the previous season with 21 wins in 22 races. Verstappen achieved an impressive total of 19 victories. Although Red Bull currently leads the F1 Constructors’ Championship, Ferrari’s victory in Monaco has put them just 24 points behind.
According to Norris, Ferrari may have the advantage this weekend due to the importance of driving over the newly resurfaced Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. However, Leclerc downplayed the idea of being the favorite, stating that it is important to recognize the competitiveness of his opponents.
Verstappen currently holds a 31-point lead over Leclerc in the F1 Drivers’ Championship, with Norris trailing Leclerc by 25 points, equivalent to a race win. It is worth noting that the last three races have been won by drivers from three different teams: Norris, Leclerc, and Verstappen. This had not happened since 2021.
In the previous season, Verstappen secured his second consecutive victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, achieving a record streak of 10 consecutive wins. The Dutchman emphasized the importance of focusing on his own performance rather than worrying about competitors.
While Ferrari seems to stand out on tracks where driving over the kerbs plays a significant role, the opposite happens with Red Bull. Verstappen acknowledged that Monaco served as a reminder of his difficulties in this area. He also mentioned the need to solve this problem, as his advantage diminishes with other teams approaching.