Mathias Lauda: “Norris next to Verstappen would be logical” / Formula 1

Former DTM driver Mathias Lauda (43) watched the events at the Chinese Grand Prix closely. Formula 1 expert from ServusTV says after McLaren driver Lando Norris took a good second place: “Lando did a great job, Sergio Pérez couldn’t get close to him.”

And we are already in the midst of speculation about the Mexican’s future at Red Bull Racing, as world champion Max Verstappen’s main partner. Mathias, the son of the Viennese racing legend Niki Lauda, ​​continues: “Pérez can finish second if everything goes well. But he can’t advance under his power like Verstappen can. After Verstappen, I see Norris as one of the best drivers in Formula 1.

Lauda says about the possible choice of Lando Norris in the Red Bull Championship: “Norris next to Verstappen, that would be a logical choice for me, he shows McLaren how much he deserves. The problem is: Max feels very comfortable with Pérez. No top driver wants a teammate who can upset him.

Also: Lando Norris extended his contract with McLaren in February 2024 and is under contract with the traditional English racing team until at least the end of 2026.

China-GP, Shanghai International Circuit

01. Max Verstappen (NL), Red Bull Racing, 1:40:52,554 h
02. Lando Norris (GB), McLaren, +13.773
03. Sergio Pérez (MEX), Red Bull Racing, +19,160
04. Charles Leclerc (MC), Ferrari, +23,623
05. Carlos Sainz (E), Ferrari, +33,983
06. George Russell (GB), Mercedes, +38,724
07. Fernando Alonso (E), Aston Martin, +43,414
08. Oscar Piastri (AUS), McLaren, +56.198
09. Lewis Hamilton (GB), Mercedes, +57,986
10. Nico Hülkenberg (D), Haas, +1:00,476 min
11. Esteban Ocon (F), Alpine, +1:02,812
12. Alex Albon (T), Williams, +1:05,506
13. Pierre Gasly (F), Alpine, +1:09,223
14. Guanyu Zhou (RCH), Sauber, +1:11,689
15. Lance Stroll (CDN), Aston Martin, +1:22,768
16. Kevin Magnussen (DK), Haas, +1:27.553
17. Logan Sargeant (USA), Williams, +1:35,110
outside
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS), Racing Bull, collision
Yuki Tsunoda (J), Racing Bulls, Collision
Valtteri Bottas (FIN), clean, engine

World Championship Position (after 5 out of 24 Grands Prix and 1 out of 6 Sprints)

the driver
01. Verstappen 110 points
02. Perez 85
03. Leclerc 76
04. Sainz 69
05. Norris 58
06. Plate 38
07. Russell 33
08. Alonso 31
09. Hamilton 19
10. Walk 9
11. Tsunoda 7
12. Oliver Bearman (GB) 6
13. Hulkenberg 4
14. Magnussen 1
15. Alboni 0
16. Okon 0
17. Zhou 0
18. Ricciardo 0
19. 0 gas
20. Bota 0
21. Sergeant 0

Builders Cup
01. Red Bull Racing 195 Punkte
02. Ferrari 151
03. McLaren 96
04. Mercedes 52
05. Aston Martin 40
06. Running Bull 7
07. Exactly 5
08. Williams 0
09. Alpine 0
10. Sauber 0