Riccardo Patrese sees reigning world champion Lando Norris as a serious contender for the title. According to the Italian former driver, Norris – who won the last two Grands Prix in a row – can still make up his deficit to Kimi Antonelli. However, it will not be easy. Patrese has already seen in the first half of the season that the young championship leader leaves no room for mistakes.
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According to Patrese, Norris has come out stronger this season than last year. He especially sees a difference in the mental resilience of the McLaren driver. “I think Lando (Norris, ed.) is a much better driver this year,” he told a betting platform. “He seems more relaxed and confident. He knows he can win and that’s why he’s doing so well. In my opinion, he was absolutely the best in the last two races.” Norris won the recent Grands Prix of the Netherlands and Hungary, partly thanks to an impressive pace in the race.
‘Antonelli makes no mistakes’
“Mercedes is of course the favorite, but there is still a long way to go this season,” Patrese noted. “We know from experience, since he was far behind Oscar (Piastri, ed.) last year, that Lando can make up a deficit and still become champion. So you never know, although Antonelli is currently the main title contender.” According to Patrese, the young Italian – who turned twenty candles in August – drives incredibly consistently.
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“The second half of the season promises to be very exciting and we will see some spectacular races,” assured the former Williams driver. “As far as the world championship is concerned, however, it will be very difficult to beat Antonelli, because he has a large points lead and makes no mistakes; he drives with his head. Reliability can also be a decisive factor, but as things stand now, Antonelli is the favorite for the title.”
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