Outside Line: McLaren and Norris are the Top Guns of F1 right now

Dutch fans were draped in orange, as usual, but this time, it wasn’t Red Bull's colours that shone brightest; it might've been the papaya hue of McLaren. The sight was poetic - a sea of orange celebrating the victory but not for local hero Max, a different driver, and perhaps signalling a new chapter in Formula 1.

Norris was simply untouchable at Zandvoort, delivering a performance that will be remembered as his finest hour. The 24-year-old Briton was in a league of his own throughout the weekend, beginning with a stunning qualifying session where he outpaced Verstappen by three-tenths of a second and left teammate Oscar Piastri half a second behind. For a team that only recently clawed its way back to the top, it was a display that rubber-stamped McLaren's return to the pinnacle of the sport.

Kudos must go to Zak Brown and Andrea Stella for their role in revitalizing McLaren. The transformation of the team has been nothing short of remarkable. It wasn’t long ago that McLaren was struggling to find its footing, mired in the midfield and far from being a title contender. Yet here we are, witnessing a resurgence that sees them not just challenging but setting the pace.

The MCL38 Norris drove to victory is not just competitive; it is, without question, the best on the grid right now. The last time McLaren won three or more races in a season was back in 2012, when Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton drove for them. A different time, a different team.

Sunday's 34th Grand Prix in The Netherlands wasn’t without its challenges for Norris. By his admission, starts have been his Achilles' heel, and Zandvoort was no different. From pole position, as we all expected (but had hoped differently) he struggled to keep Verstappen at bay, with the Dutchman storming off the line and building an early lead. But Norris, showing the maturity, intellect and composure of a Champion in waiting, hung on. He kept Verstappen within striking distance, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce.

And when that moment came, Norris seized it with a move down the main straight, he flew past Verstappen on Lap 18 of 72, as if the Red Bull was stuck in another gear. The sheer power of the McLaren was on full display as it took the lead. Max helpless. It was a pass that didn’t just win Lando the race; it symbolized a shift in the balance of power within the sport. McLaren are F1 Top Guns right now.

As the race unfolded, it became clear that they were not just ahead of Red Bull but in a different stratosphere, Norris half a second per lap quicker, winning by 23-seconds and taking the fastest lap point with a late race hot lap to make his tally 26 points on Sunday.

Notably, the once-dominant Mercedes team was nowhere, with both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell trailing behind the McLarens despite sharing the same power unit. It was a humbling experience for the Silver Arrows, a team that has so often set the benchmark but now finds itself playing catch-up.

For Norris, the win at Zandvoort is a testament to his evolution as a driver. He’s always had the talent, but now he has the car to match. With McLaren’s resurgence, he’s consistently delivering results that not only secure points but inspire confidence within the team. His performances are pushing McLaren forward, driving development, and setting the stage for what could be a sustained period of success.

Piastri, Norris’s teammate, will undoubtedly need to regroup after a weekend where he was comprehensively outclassed. Yet was still at the sharp end. But that’s what happens when you’re up against a driver at the peak of his powers making the most of a car that is currently the class of the field. Piastri’s struggles only underscore how exceptional Norris’s drive was - he didn’t just win; he dominated on every front.

McLaren’s ambitions are clear. Brown made no secret of the team’s desire to challenge for both 2024 F1 titles this season. The Drivers' championship might still be a long shot, but the Constructors’ title is now a very real possibility. With Sergio Perez’s inconsistent form and Red Bull looking more vulnerable than ever, McLaren’s dream of reclaiming the top spot in Formula 1 could soon become a reality.

The Dutch Grand Prix was a statement, just the beginning. Another test will come at Monza this weekend, a high-speed circuit where McLaren’s newfound performance advantage will be put to the ultimate test. For Italian team boss Stella, a home win would be the perfect reward for his role in McLaren’s resurgence.

Norris has proven that nice guys can finish first, and in doing so, he’s ushered in what could be the start of a new era for McLaren. The journey is just beginning one imagines. I would also venture that the collective sentiment of fans at Zandvoort on Sunday would've been: If Max was unable to win it, then Lando would be the next best option! As a Max fan, that's how I felt.