Norris: Hamilton has a stronger car in 2021

Lando Norris believes that Max Verstappen did not become a world champion because he had the fastest car.

Verstappen emerged from an epic 2021 season battle that, despite Red Bull eventually missing out on the constructors' championship, was ultimately able to offer the Dutchman a car that could rival Mercedes in most of the races. Norris believes that in the race against Hamilton, it was Verstappen's driving ability, not RB16B's performance, that made the race different.

He said: "I don't think he (Verstappen) has had a better car all season, Mercedes has a stronger car in most cases, but as a driver, he's not unlucky and makes fewer mistakes. ”

In terms of costly mistakes, excluding moments that can be interpreted as race events, such as the collision between Monza and Hamilton, Verstappen was largely flawless throughout the competition. Hamilton made a mistake when the Azerbaijan Grand Prix restarted when he accidentally stepped on the brake "magic" button while he also slid off the track at Imola but was still able to finish the day in second place.

Norris has a healthy relationship with both title contenders, and after the McLaren driver's crushing defeat in qualifying at the Belgian Grand Prix, Verstappen said his best wishes, saying the 22-year-old was "my good friend". Meanwhile, Hamilton called Norris "such a great driver" on a team broadcast when the two were vying for a place in Austria.

Speaking of Verstappen's victory, Norris said: "I'm happy for him and I congratulate him on what he has achieved this season. He played against Lewis, who was experienced and had won many titles. He was a good friend of mine and I congratulated him first, but then I also went to Lewis because he also had an incredible season and I have a lot of respect for them. ”