Norris stated that Verstappen is “genuinely a challenger” for the championship with seven races to go, reiterating a view McLaren workforce principal Andrea Stella expressed in Baku.
The Dutchman’s victory two weeks in the past was his fourth of the season, whereas Piastri has received seven and Norris 5.
Norris stated Verstappen had all the time been a much bigger menace to McLaren than was typically perceived.
The Briton stated: “If you happen to return to the start of the season, they had been difficult the primary six, seven races, difficult us within the drivers’, after which we introduced some upgrades, improved a little bit bit.
“A few races in the past, they introduced some upgrades and it looks like that is sort of put them again on the identical stage as us.
“We’re nonetheless anticipating and we nonetheless come into each race with the ambition and with the aim of profitable and desirous to dominate as a workforce and proceed the shape that we have had all season.
“Mercedes, Ferrari and Purple Bull actually over the previous couple of weekends have been nearer, so we anticipate battles, particularly with them.”
Verstappen, who has by no means received in Singapore, stated: “From my facet, truthfully, I simply see it as a race by race factor. Sixty-nine factors remains to be loads, particularly in the event you have a look at how the season has gone up to now.
“McLaren has been extremely dominant, that does not abruptly change. So for me, I am not too confused about something.”
McLaren are virtually sure to win the constructors’ championship this weekend – they are going to clinch the title so long as Mercedes don’t outscore them by 31 factors, or Ferrari by 35.
