Formula One's reigning champion Max Verstappen has delivered a stinging assessment of the title race, asserting he would have already clinched the championship "easily" had he been behind the wheel of Lando Norris' McLaren.
The Dutchman made these provocative remarks in an interview released on Friday, mere hours before the crucial Qatar Grand Prix weekend commences.
With just two races remaining in the season, Verstappen finds himself trailing the British driver by 24 points.
The Red Bull driver's bold declaration comes as Norris seeks to capture his first world championship, whilst Verstappen pursues an unprecedented fifth consecutive title in increasingly challenging circumstances.
Max Verstappen told Lando Norris he would have 'easily' won the title in his car
| PAWhen questioned about what the championship situation would look like if he were piloting a McLaren, Verstappen offered a forthright response.
"We wouldn't be talking about a championship - it would already have been won, easily," he stated with characteristic confidence.
The four-time world champion pointed to McLaren's dominant machinery, noting their team secured the constructors' championship as early as September in Azerbaijan.
"They won the constructors' championship so early that yeah... you can fill it in yourself," Verstappen added, leaving little doubt about his assessment of the British team's superior pace.
His comments underscore the frustration of competing in what many consider inferior equipment whilst watching a rival challenge for glory in faster machinery.
Lando Norris is on course to win the title but it has been a bumpy ride
|REUTERS
The championship battle has evoked memories of Verstappen's own inaugural title fight, prompting him to offer insights into the psychological demands facing his rival.
"Your dream is to win a championship and that is when the pressure is on," Verstappen explained.
Drawing from personal experience, the Dutch driver acknowledged the unique strain of pursuing a first championship.
"It was the same for me when I was fighting for my first title. You definitely feel more pressure of being in that fight and thinking 'this is my chance' and not knowing if you will get another one," he revealed.
These observations suggest Verstappen believes the mental burden could prove decisive as Norris attempts to close out what would be a historic maiden triumph.
Verstappen's current position represents a remarkable turnaround from earlier in the season when he faced a daunting 104-point deficit in the championship standings.
Max Verstappen closed the gap to Lando Norris in the championship earlier this month
| GETTYThe momentum shifted dramatically following McLaren's double disqualification at last Sunday's Las Vegas Grand Prix, which significantly aided the Dutchman's resurgence.
The Red Bull driver also disclosed his continued close relationship with team principal Christian Horner, confirming they maintain regular communication at every race weekend.
Additionally, Verstappen offered controversial observations about Lewis Hamilton's challenging debut season at Ferrari, suggesting the seven-time champion's age played a role in his difficulties.
These candid remarks arrive at a pivotal juncture, with the championship potentially decided this weekend in Qatar.