F1 News: Analyzing the Driving Styles of Norris and Verstappen

Every top F1 driver is different. They have their own way of driving their cars (driving style) and competing with others on the track. It’s why the sport has been so exciting and thrilling each year.

The 2024 F1 season has been no different. While it is longer due to the record 24 GPs that have been slated to take place, we’ve been treated to some epic driving.

Max Verstappen remains at the top of the order when it comes to the standings, but his dominance of the sport appears to be being questioned by some names that weren’t near the top before.

Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing attends the press conference after qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari Circuit on May 18, 2024 in Imola, Italy. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Lando Norris has emerged as a strong contender for this year’s Driver’s Championship. The British driver has had a phenomenal year, producing his best-ever performances.

He has improved with each year that he has driven for McLaren. He finished sixth with 205 points last season and has already exceeded that total with six races to go. He is currently second in the standings with 279 points, just 52 points behind Verstappen. His three wins this year, including his maiden victory, have been a big factor in why he has been able to challenge the driver for top spot.

How do Verstappen and Norris compare in driving styles?

With the 2024 F1 Championship beginning to heat up as we head into the final stretch of the season, there has become an invested interest in the driving styles of the two drivers competing for the championship.

Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 leads the field into turn one at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari Circuit on May 19, 2024 in Imola, Italy. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) — Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 and McLaren driver Lando Norris leads the field into turn one at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari Circuit on May 19, 2024 in Imola, Italy. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)

Both are in contention for the title, although the latest Formula 1 betting odds do still have the Dutchman as the favorite to win it. Interestingly, it’s quite close in terms of the difference between them. Perhaps this is because Norris is highlighted as the favorite to win the US GP. He has odds of 1.90 ahead of the Grand Prix, with Verstappen as large as 6.00.

The odds given will reflect the duo’s driving styles, with Norris believed to be more suited to the US Grand Prix than the Dutchman, despite Verstappen winning the race for the past 3 years.

What is Verstappen’s driving style?

When looking at the current champion and the way that he drives first, it can be quite simple to try and analyze it. Essentially, he is an aggressive driver and one that likes to be harsh on the brakes when he needs to use them. He will come off them smoothly, and has a preference for oversteer.

Former teammate Alex Albon has described the driving style as being “eye-watering” and “sharp”. He also stated that he believed it is based on confidence. The more confident Verstappen is, the faster and more aggressive he becomes with the car.

Norris has a contrasting driving style

For Norris, he is almost the polar opposite. The British driver isn’t that aggressive, although it can be difficult for any driver to be as aggressive as the Dutchman.

Lando Norris, McLaren F1 Team, 1st position, celebrates on arrival in Parc Ferme

The McLaren driver is known for his late-braking style. He likes to break as late as possible when driving, using it to his advantage as he can perform overtaking maneuvers on the circuit.

Norris is also known for being intelligent with the decisions that he makes. This has been evident with the progress that he has been making in his young career. He isn’t afraid to take risks and make decisions to try and get what he wants, often using speed where he can to take on his opponents.

Verstappen or Norris?

As we reach the conclusion of the 2024 F1 season, it’s a year that is a little more exciting for fans than the last couple have perhaps been.

The 2023 season saw Verstappen win 19 of the 22 races that were held as he dominated the year. Red Bull won 21 of the 22 races, too. This year, the wins have been shared a little more. In the 18 races he has competed in, he has managed to win just seven thus far. Norris may have only won three races, but he has made the championship a little more interesting at this point.

However, as the odds currently suggest, it would be difficult to see anyone else win the 2024 F1 campaign other than the Dutchman. One area we might see something different happen is in the Constructors Championship, with McLaren leading the charge in that leaderboard.