With six rounds of Formula 1’s thrilling 2024 season remaining, look back at a race-by-race recap of Max Verstappen’s battle with Lando Norris for the drivers’ title.
After three weekends off, the season will resume with the United States Grand Prix in Austin from October 18-20 – live on Sky Sports F1 – with everything still to play for.
It appeared as though Verstappen would dominate the season after a strong start from Red Bull, but momentum is on Norris’ side, with the McLaren driver having taken points out of the world championship leader at the last four races
Verstappen is bidding for a fourth consecutive F1 title, whereas Norris is looking to become world champion for the first time.
After a pause for breath, a thrilling climax is in store with two triple-headers to finish the season. Following the Sprint weekend in Austin, the Mexico City Grand Prix (October 25-27) and Sao Paulo Grand Prix (November 1-3) follow.
After another mini break, the Las Vegas Grand Prix (November 22-24), Qatar Grand Prix (November 29-December 1) and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (December 6-8) will bring the season to a close, with every session from each race live on Sky Sports F1
Bahrain GP: Verstappen makes perfect start
Verstappen picked up where he left off in 2023 with a lights-to-flag victory from pole position, plus the fastest lap of the race as he led team-mate Sergio Perez in a Red Bull one-two.
Norris started seventh and finished in sixth – 48.4 seconds behind Verstappen, a huge performance margin that nobody thought would be overhauled this year…
POINTS: VERSTAPPEN 26-8 NORRIS
Saudi Arabian GP: Verstappen dominates again
A week later, Verstappen claimed another dominant victory during which the outcome never appeared to be in doubt.
The Dutchman ignored off-track noise created by a public feud between his father Jos Verstappen and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner to lead home another one-two from Perez.
Norris, who initially appeared to have jumped the start but was not penalised, actually led his first laps of the season after not pitting under an early Safety Car but would only finish eighth as the strategy gamble failed to pay off.
POINTS: VERSTAPPEN 51-12 NORRIS
Australian GP: Norris on podium as Verstappen retires
Verstappen was attempting to equal his own record 10-race winning streak as he started from pole position in Melbourne, but completed only three laps before the brakes on his Red Bull caught fire and forced him to retire.
Norris took his first podium of the season in third behind the Ferrari one-two led by Carlos Sainz.
Charles Leclerc undercut Norris during the first round of pit stops and the McLaren driver couldn’t fight back to second place.
POINTS: VERSTAPPEN 51-27 NORRIS
Japanese GP: Verstappen back on top
Verstappen returned to winning ways to head a resounding Red Bull one-two at Suzuka, expertly managing two launches off the line as a restart was needed following a red flag on the first lap for a crash between Alex Albon and Daniel Ricciardo.
Norris started third but was leapfrogged by both Ferraris during the race and finished fifth, with the MCL38 at this point still lacking the raw pace to hold off the red cars.
POINTS: VERSTAPPEN 77-37 NORRIS
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