Norris: I thought Verstappen would be quicker

However, the only challenge Verstappen could muster was out-dragging Norris at the start of the race, only for the Briton to re-catch the Dutchman in the superior McLaren MCL38, and go on to win the race.

Norris was able to pull out a huge gap over Verstappen, something the latter was used to doing, that is until McLaren out-developed Red Bull this Formula 1 season.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the Dutch GP, Norris said: "Saturday is always a good indication of what you are able to do and we were very quick yesterday so we had high hopes. The car has been lovely to drive.

"I thought Max would be quicker than he was. It seemed like he was the outlier as he dropped all the way back to the Ferraris, which was a surprise," he admitted.

Asked if he was in the title fight with Verstappen Norris responded: "I have been all year, it's not like I have decided just do it now! I have had the car for a while, that is obvious.

"It has been phenomenal. I wouldn't say we have been the best since Miami but on average we have been. We had opportunities to beat Max and haven't. But that is in the past.

"We have tried to improve in lots of areas and a result like today proves that. It feels like a good start to the second half of the year," Norris concluded.

Oscar Piastri in the other McLaren had a subpar race, having qualified third, but finished fourth behind Charles Leclerc who managed to keep the faster McLaren at bay.

Piastri said: "I got stuck in the dirty air, it was as simple as that. In the clear air the pace was strong. I just spent 65 of the 72 laps behind someone.

"It was a bit of a disappointment considering the pace of the car, so not the weekend I was after. There are quite a few things to review," the Australian added.

McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella hailed a great result by Norris and the team, he said: "It's beyond expectations. We knew the car was performing well but today was a positive surprise in terms of how fast it was.

"It's great that Lando could capitalize with a dominant victory. It's a bit of a shame with Oscar that he got stuck in traffic.

"He deserved a podium today and could have attacked Verstappen. This didn't materialize but it's very promising for future races.

"I want to take the opportunity to thank all the men and women at McLaren," Stella went on. "They made such an amazing job, not only throughout the season, but more recently for the upgrades for this weekend that have put us in a strong and exciting position for the future."

As for McLaren CEO Zak Brown, he commented: "We knew we were fast all weekend, so I am not shocked at the size of the gap, just pleasantly surprised. Lando definitely controlled the race.

"The upgrades clearly worked but we need to keep our feet on the ground with how competitive Formula 1 is and not assume that is going to be repeated every weekend.

"We clearly have a fast car and have some fun stuff coming for Monza, so I think we will be ready. But I think Red Bull will be quick there," the American concluded.