Norris Thrilled as McLaren Prepares to Challenge Verstappen.

Auto Racing General

Norris Thrilled as McLaren Prepares to Challenge Verstappen.

McLaren driver Lando Norris is "excited" about the remainder of the Formula 1 season after giving Max Verstappen's Red Bull a tough challenge for victory at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Lando Norris finished just 0.7 seconds behind Max Verstappen at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, following his first F1 victory in Miami two weeks earlier.

Norris believes his performance at Imola shows that he and McLaren are now consistent front-runners. "Hopefully, it continues like that because it's exciting, it's tough, and it gets you excited every weekend, so I'm looking forward to the next few," the 24-year-old Briton said.

He added that there's "no reason to deny" that McLaren can challenge Verstappen at most tracks. "We've had second in China, first in Miami, and now second again. I think that's a good sign."

Norris' teammate, Oscar Piastri, agreed, saying McLaren should be "confident enough to say wherever we go, we can fight for a win."