The McLaren driver after the double disqualification in Las Vegas that reopened the world championship in favor of Verstappen: “We know what he is capable of. I know that many people have said things about me, but that’s part of the game.”

Walking quickly and looking down, as if to shield himself from cameras and microphones, Lando Norris arrives in Qatar after his McLaren’s double disqualification in Las Vegas brought his most feared rival, Verstappen, back into the game. “In every briefing, we have always considered him a threat. We know what he is capable of, and we know what Red Bull is capable of.” And with the Dutchman 24 points behind in the drivers’ standings: “Nothing has to change, in my head everything is as it was before.”

His head. On Thursday in Lusail, Norris said he had “left social media.” “I don’t want to know anything. I know that many people have said things about me, but that’s part of the game. I’ll let them waste their energy; those little games don’t work on me.“ Not easy after a weekend where a technical problem (excessive tire wear) deprived him of a very important second place in the world championship. ”It hurt,“ admits the Englishman, ”but at the same time, I expected it. It was as if I felt that sooner or later it had to happen. I took a few days off, disconnecting from everything, and now I’m fine. For me, it’s as if nothing happened.“

morale at rock bottom—  And then Qatar. ”It will be like being in Mexico, when I arrived knowing I wasn’t leading the world championship. I’m just as relaxed as when I was 35 points behind Oscar.” And speaking of his pitmate, “I’m convinced that he’s just as much of a threat as Verstappen. I consider them both equally strong.” The Australian is grateful, but deep down he is now convinced that “even two perfect weekends won’t be enough to win the world championship. It would take some help from outside…” It’s hard to disagree with him, given that he is now tied on points with Verstappen after leading the world championship for most of the season. “I’ve struggled in the last few races. Unfortunately, I’ve also made mistakes, which shouldn’t happen, but that’s how it went.”