Herbert: A non-finish by Verstappen a massive change to championship

Norris' title aspirations took a huge blow in the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix a week ago as Verstappen recovered from a disastrous qualifying and an engine penalty to win from 17th on the grid.

Norris, on the other hand, finished sixth after a strategy error from McLaren, not to mention errors from the British driver himself, who was despondent after the race in Brazil, claiming Verstappen got lucky.

But Herbert believes the title rival is not over yet, as so much could happen in the final three races of the season, and had this to say to Norris: "Norris just has to continue doing what he is doing.

"And one non-finish by Max would make a massive change to the championship. Max is still the hot favourite even if that happened.

"Max will not have to win and only finish on the podium. He knows what he has to do and is so much more mature this season," Herbert noted. "Norris will go into 2025 knowing he can beat Max, whatever happens in the last three races.

"That's a massive psychological barrier he has overcome. He has made his statement and pushed Max to the edge. That's great because it is exactly what you need to do to an opponent, ruffle his feathers and get under his skin."

It is clear that both McLaren and Norris lacked the experience of fighting for a championship in 2024 and were on the back foot with Verstappen winning seven of the first ten races when his RB20 was still the best car on the grid.

And while McLaren shot to the top with an upgrade to their MCL38 in Miami, a race won by Norris, Verstappen's devastating consistency meant he still has the upper hand in the title fight.

But it will be a different story in 2025, especially if McLaren pick up from where they end 2024 with a decent car and challenges for wins from the start, which bodes well for Norris.

But Herbert claims Norris will have a different challenge to deal with; he said: "Lando won't just be fighting Max next season, but also Oscar, Charles Leclerc, and the rest.

"Oscar has shown he is a man on a mission and one who will only improve. When you start afresh going into the first race next year, you'll be fighting against your teammate first, but then whoever is around you.

"There is going to be a great dynamic which will work in McLaren's favour. Two great drivers who are going to be able to deliver in a consistent way. One who has been fighting for the championship and has risen to the occasion. If he can dial out those first-lap start issues he will be a very hard man to beat.

"McLaren are going to be the one to beat," the winner of three grands prix predicted.

And while Piastri has played the team game so far in 2024, Herbert believes the talented Aussie will be gunning for the lead role at McLaren next season.

Herbert explained: "If we go to Abu Dhabi and the championship is done and it is not possible for Lando to win, that will already have changed.

"That will be letting Oscar be allowed to go out there and win the race if he can. The whole dynamic will swap over very quickly this year and will continue into 2025.

"It is really exciting. People need to be there to see the start of the season next year. It's going to be one helluva fight the whole year between four teams.

"Oscar will be very difficult to beat but Lando has upped his game when he has had to and has been the man who has effectively led the team to be where it is at the moment," Herbert concluded.