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    Red Bull banned from using controversial device in major boost to Lando Norris’ F1 World Championship hopes

    LANDO NORRIS believes he has been dealt a possible boost in his bid to beat Max Verstappen to world championship glory after Red Bull were ordered to make changes to their car.Rival teams claimed Red Bull have gained an advantage by running a contentious device which allowed them to adjust the setup of the car between qualifying and the race – something which is not prohibited in the sport’s rules.Max Verstappen could see his title chances take a hitCredit: ReutersThe changes could boost Lando Norris’ title hopesCredit: AFPA senior team representative at Red Bull said: “Yes it (the device) exists, although it is inaccessible once the car is fully assembled and ready to run.”In the numerous correspondence we have with the FIA, this part came up and we have agreed a plan going forward.”Speaking ahead of this weekend’s US Grand Prix, McLaren’s Norris was asked if the FIA’s move to intervene will hand the title advantage his way.He replied: “If it has been helping them, and they have been utilising it in a way that people think they have, then maybe it will shift in our direction.READ MORE F1 NEWS”But they wouldn’t have got several poles and wins because of such a device.”I don’t think it will really change anything, but then when you look at the gaps in qualifying, and when the gap has been just hundredths of a second, then you might say this has helped.”It is good that the FIA are doing such a thing. There is a difference between black and white stuff like this, and a difference between Formula One and pushing the boundaries and innovating.”That is what we have done a very good job on, but been sure not to go any further than that.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNorris’ McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri said: “From what I heard, and I have been told, something like this is not pushing the boundaries, it is clearly breaking them.”Norris’ emphatic win at the last round in Singapore a month ago means he trails Verstappen by 52 points with 180 still to play for over the remaining six rounds.Watch Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton’s tense exchange after Hungarian Grand Prix as fans hint at ‘underlying issue’ Norris has taken 26 points out of Verstappen in the last four races.And there will be an additional eight points up for grabs in Austin with a sprint race on Saturday.He said: “After Singapore I wanted to keep going.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁”We were in a good rhythm, and we have been for quite a while, but everyone needs a break, including my team.”It is nice to reboot and put our heads down again.”I have been happy with how things have gone and I am confident if we keep our heads down and keep pushing we can do it, we can close the gap, but it is not going to be easy.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I need more than me first, and Max to finish second, but I cannot change that.”I need to focus on myself and leave the rest to everyone else.”F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out.You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner.Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car.Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time.So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth.  More

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    F1 organisers confirm change to track after Max Verstappen complained as title race set to come down to the wire

    ORGANISERS of the US Grand Prix have confirmed a major change has been made for this year’s Formula One race.After a three-week break, F1 returns with the title battle well and truly on between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.US Grand Prix organisers have confirmed they have completed a major change to the trackCredit: APThey said it came in light of a complaint made by Max Verstappen last yearCredit: GettyIt comes with Verstappen and Lando Norris fighting for the titleCredit: GettyThe rivals are separated by just 52 points with six grand prix weekends to go.However, as the Drivers’ Championship heads into crunch time, track chiefs at this weekend’s race of Circuit of the Americas in Texas, have confirmed the course has been fully resurfaced with new asphalt.It follows a complaint Verstappen made last year.The Austin track has always been a bumpy ride for drivers, however, last year’s edition proved particularly problematic.READ MORE IN F1Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified following the race when they were found to have excessive wear on the planks underneath their cars.Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso was forced to retire mid-event after smashing up his car floor.Verstappen, 27, won both the sprint and feature race at COTA last year on route to his third F1 title, but was very vocal about the problems he and his fellow drivers endured during the race.The flying Dutchman said at the time: “It needs to be redone because at the moment it feels like it’s better suited to a rally car. I’m jumping and bouncing around.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”In an F1 car probably you don’t even see it as much because, of course, we are glued to the ground because of the downforce, but the bumps and jumps that we have in some places, this is way too much. “I don’t think it’s F1 level. I love this track. Drive to Survive and F1 legend runs B&B with rooms named after iconic tracks”Honestly, the layout is amazing but we definitely need new tarmac and it needs to be a lot smoother for the coming years, because we already asking for this for I think quite a few years, and it’s not really been done.”Fast forward to this weekend, and race promoter Bobby Epstein has revealed the Red Bull driver’s complaint was a factor in finally getting the much-needed work done.He said: “It was mainly to get rid of the bumps. Some of that track was 12 years old, so it was time. “I know Max gave it a pretty poor review last year, so I hope we hear something positive. I’m certain we’re going to hear, ‘This is like a totally new track. It’s fantastic’.”As well as a resurfaced track, some of the verges have been narrowed and replaced with turf in an effort to reduce track limit violations.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁Like last year, Verstappen is in the drivers seat to win the title.However, this time he is at a disadvantage due to the fact that Norris, 24, has a quicker car and has hit a strong run of form that has seen the Brit win two of the last four races.That being said, Norris needs to outscore Verstappen by almost nine points (8.67) every weekend to complete the greatest comeback in the sport’s history.COTA will kick off a second series of three sprint and feature race double headers to finish the season.A standard one-race weekend in Mexico will follow a week later before Brazil sees the penultimate sprint and feature race weekend.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis will give way to another two-week break before F1 returns in Las Vegas.Vegas will then be followed by the final sprint weekend of the season in Qatar, before the season finale plays out in Abu Dhabi on December 8.F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out.You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner.Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car.Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time.So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth. F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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    The greatest comeback in F1 history is on – Max Verstappen is on the ropes but Lando Norris needs perfect last six races

    IT is do or die for Lando Norris as Formula One heads into the final six races.The biggest comeback in the sport’s history is on, and it will take something exceptional to pull it off – but it is not beyond the realms of possibility.Lando Norris and Max Verstappen are in a battle for the F1 titleCredit: APNorris won the Singapore Grand Prix last time outVerstappen has gone eight races without a winThe Sprint weekend at Austin’s sweeping Circuit of the Americas marks the first of the final races to the end of the season in Abu Dhabi on December 8. SunSport has chewed the fat on the Verstappen-Norris title fight and what it will take for the McLaren driver to emerge victorious.How things stand Red Bull driver Verstappen holds a 52-point lead over Norris in the Drivers’ Championship.The tables have massively turned, given Verstappen held a season-high lead of 84 points up until the British Grand Prix in July 7.READ MORE F1In-form Norris has outscored him in all but one of the six races that have taken place since.The margin of 52 points is the exact equivalent of winning two races with the fastest lap bonus point (25+1) on a non-Sprint race weekend.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁How many points are left to play for?There is a maximum of 180 points up for grabs across the final six race weekends of the season.That is 156 points in the remaining six grands prix, 25 for a win plus one for the fastest lap.Most read in MotorsportIn addition, there are three sprint races remaining where one driver could bag a maximum of 24 points.The winners of the sprint races in USA, Brazil and Qatar will be awarded eight points for victory. Emotional Lando Norris hugs F1 legend after Sky Sports presenter soaks McLaren star with water to ‘help out’How does Norris need to outscore Verstappen?Norris must outscore Verstappen by an average of almost nine points (8.67 points to be precise) at each grand prix weekend until the end of the season.That is the points difference between first and third places (10 points) in a grand prix.Norris cannot be crowned champion if he wins every race and Verstappen comes in second. That could have still been on the cards had Norris clung onto the bonus point at the most recent grand prix in Singapore for fastest lap.But Daniel Ricciardo controversially snatched it away on fresh tyres with one lap to go. When could the title be won?The absolute earliest the title could theoretically be won by Verstappen is the Sao Paulo GP weekend on November 1-3.But the Red Bull driver would have to outscore Norris by at least a whopping 34 points over the next triple-header. Who’s got the quicker car?The MCL8 is the fastest car on the grid and introduced a flexible wing with a “mini DRS” effectThere’s no doubt about it being McLaren, who have won four of the last six races, two for Norris and two for Oscar Piastri. This season’s McLaren MCL38 has been the most consistent performer on different types of circuit. READ MORE SUN STORIESWhereas Max Verstappen recently in Singapore said that Red Bull’s RB20 was “f***ed”. The team are pinning their hopes on a significant upgrade planned on the RB20 for Austin this weekend. F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s prediction I EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out. You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner. Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car. Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time. So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth. More

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    Lando Norris won’t win F1 title due to ‘mental weaknesses’ as Helmut Marko slams Brit’s pre-race ‘rituals’

    LANDO NORRIS will not win the Formula One Drivers’ Championship because he has “mental weaknesses”, according to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko.With six rounds of the season to go, McLaren star Norris sits 52 points behind reigning champion Max Verstappen.Lando Norris will not win the F1 championship, according to Helmut MarkoCredit: GettyNorris is 52 points behind leader Max Verstappen with six rounds to goCredit: RexBut Helmut Marko has said Norris’ pre-race rituals show ‘mental weaknesses’Credit: GettyThe Brit will be hoping to close the gap at this weekend’s US Grand Prix, having won two of the last four races.However, Red Bull advisor Marko has started the mind games in an effort to throw the 24-year-old off his game as the championship reaches crunch time.Speaking to Motor Sport Magazine, the 81-year-old backed Verstappen to win his fourth title this year.He said: “Verstappen [will win the championship].READ MORE IN F1″He is the best, he’s the fastest and, above all, he has the mental strength to theoretically fight for the world championship more than Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris. “We know Norris has some mental weaknesses. “I’ve read about some of the rituals he needs to do to perform well on race day.”Back in 2022, Norris revealed one of these pre-race rituals.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe told Vanity Fair: “I always call my parents…”Still my mum wants to hear my voice before I go race.”Max Verstappen threatens to quit F1 after being forced to do ‘community service’ in bizarre punishment for swearing Despite putting their lives on the line and racing at break-neck speeds every race weekend, F1 stars are a superstitious bunch.Michael Schumacher famously got into his car from the left, always carried an amulet with the initials of his family members and had a preference to wear odd numbers after winning all seven of his titles with odd numbers.Lewis Hamilton also revealed that Schumacher used to pee in his racesuit before every race, a practice also followed by Nico Rosberg.Four-time champion Sebastian Vettel dressed his racesuit with small trinkets ranging from a metal pig to a one-cent coin and placing two shining pieces of lucky silver on his race boots.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁The legendary Alberto Ascari had a range of quirks ranging from avoiding black cats, staying away from unlucky numbers and not allowing anyone else to handle the case that had his lucky blue helmet – cruelly ironic given that he was killed in a testing accident while wearing Eugenio Castellotti’s white helmet rather than his own.On the current grid, Sergio Perez personalises his car by carrying a picture of the late Pope John Paul II on the inside of his cockpit.Charles Leclerc likes to sit next to his car in his bubble, Pierre Gasly has an espresso and naps for 30 mins, while Fernando Alonso jumps in on the right side of his car before the race.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Alex Albon meticulously sticks to his pre-race routine, from eating 90 minutes before a race, changing into his gear 30 minutes before setting up a cubby for his equipment.And despite Marko’s comments about Norris’ pre-race rituals, Verstappen has his own rituals, where he plays video games the night before a race to help get him in the zone. More

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    New quirk of Jurgen Klopp’s job emerges after former Liverpool manager lands £10m-a-year role at Red Bull

    A NEW surprising detail of Jurgen Klopp’s job with Red Bull has emerged.The former Liverpool boss is set to earn a bumper £10m-a-year pay packet as the Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull.A new quirk to Jurgen Klopp’s job at Red Bull will see him not appear at any stadium until the end of the seasonRed Bull have made their new executive’s life a little easier by reducing his travel during his first season.So much so that Klopp might not appear in any stadium until the end of the current 2024/2025 campaign, according to Sky Germany.Journalist Florian Plettenberg said: “He intends to work in the background at the start and will be getting a feel for the Red Bull teams on-site.”Klopp will oversee the management of RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, two clubs in Brazil and a third-tier Japanese side.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe former Dortmund boss has signed a long-term contract with Red Bull but will not begin in his new job until January 1 2025.It’s an opportunity that keeps Klopp involved in football without the draining day-to-day demands of being a manager. Klopp has also been assured that he can walk away from this deal if there is another concrete offer that he wishes to pursue.The position of the German national team head coach remains an option for him in the future.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter a very public admission of exhaustion at Liverpool, the 57-year-old can be forgiven for taking the less gruelling option with Red Bull.The Austrian energy drinks producer has landed a public relations coup by hiring one of the most respected figures in European football.Trent Alexander Arnold, Virgil Van Dijk and Jurgen Klopps wife tearful as Klopp leaves LiverpoolIn 2009, Red Bull caused controversy in German football when it took over fifth-division club SSV Markranstadt and turned it into RB Leipzig.German Football Association (DFB) laws state German clubs must operate on a ’50+1′ rule, meaning members – essentially fans – own the majority of shares and can influence decisions such as ticket prices.Rivals feel RB Leipzig exploited the system by having just 17 members with voting rights – most are directly linked to Red Bull.Klopp, who left Liverpool in May after “running out of energy”, has received a lot of criticism for joining Red Bull – especially among fans of his former club Dortmund.Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave KiddNOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.Klopp got it wrong.Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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    Jurgen Klopp’s outrageous Red Bull salary revealed with ex-Liverpool chief earning more than 18 Premier League managers

    JURGEN KLOPP’S colossal salary at Red Bull has been revealed – and he’s set to earn more than EIGHTEEN Premier League managers.The former Liverpool boss signed a lucrative deal to become the Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull this week.Jurgen Klopp’s HUGE wages at his new Red Bull job have been revealedKlopp will oversee the management of RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, two clubs in Brazil and a third-tier Japanese side.But, with such responsibility, comes eye-watering wages.In leaving Liverpool, Klopp temporarily waved good bye to an incredible £15m salary.But the German won’t be penny-pinching any time soon, as he earns between £8-10million in his new Red Bull role, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThis will see the 57-year-old bank more than 18 Prem bosses.In fact, only Mikel Arteta’s £10m and Pep Guardiola’s £20m at Manchester City beats Klopp’s reported wage.He is set to earn around the same as Aston Villa’s Unai Emery, who is collects £8m.Klopp will earn more than under-fire Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, who bags £6.75m annually.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Klopp reportedly netted £15m in his final years at Liverpool, making him the second highest paid boss in the Prem behind Pep.The former Dortmund manager has signed a long-term contract with Red Bull but will not begin in his new job until January 1 2025.Arne Slot aims dig at Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss says ‘I’m a stupid manager if 12.30pm kick offs are more difficult’ Klopp has been assured that he can exit this contract if there is a concrete offer that he wishes to pursue.The German had been enjoying his time off, stating that he didn’t want to take up a coaching role and needed a rest after making his decision at the start of the year.The position of the German national team head coach remains an option for him.Klopp has been linked to the Germany job in the past and has made no secret of his desire to become manager one day.In 2023 he said: “It’s not completely out of the question that I’ll be the national coach at some point.“But it has to fit. And so far it hasn’t. And if I end the contract in Liverpool, then nothing will definitely be done for a year.”The legendary Reds boss left Anfield after almost nine years in charge in May after announcing that he was “running out of energy”. More

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    Red Bull ‘invest in sleeping European giant’ just hours after Jurgen Klopp hired as they target France domination

    RED BULL are reportedly set to invest in another European football club.The energy drinks company already own clubs in Austria, Germany, Brazil and the US.Jurgen Klopp is the new Global Head of Football at Red BullCredit: PARed Bull are reportedly interested in Paris FCCredit: GettyThe club plays at the 20,000 seater Stade CharletyCredit: AlamyRed Bull appointed former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to the company this week.The German will start his role as the new Global Head of Football on January 1.He will oversee the operations at RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bull, Red Bull Bragantino and Red Bull Brasil.Klopp could have an additional club to manage according to reports after it emerged Red Bull is interested in taking over Paris FC.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe French outfit currently competes in Ligue 2 and are battling for promotion to the top division.L’Equipe has reported that the club is on the “verge” of being sold to Red Bull and the Arnault family.The current club president and majority shareholder, Pierre Ferracci, is preparing the club to move on from his control.The report suggests that he would keep hold of 30 per cent of his shares until 2027.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt would be in this year that he would make his permanent exit from the club.It is thought that Red Bull would take control of 15 per cent of the club while the Arnault family would become the majority shareholder with 55 per cent.Jurgen Klopp set for shock return to dugout just months after quitting as Liverpool bossRed Bull also own RB Leipzig in GermanyCredit: AFPThe company also controls New York Red Bull and two clubs in BrazilCredit: ReutersIt is also a minority shareholder in LeedsCredit: AlamyThe report claims that Paris FC’s perspective owners are aiming to make the club a staple in the Champions League.They last competed in the French top flight in the 1978-79 season.Ambitions of taking them into Europe would mean pumping the club with money.Its main rivals are current French champions Paris Saint-Germain, who have yet to win the Champions League despite their best efforts.Red Bull is also a minority investor in Championship side Leeds after completing their purchase in May earlier this year.All about Paris FC Where: Paris, FranceStadium: Stade Charlety (20,000 capacity)League: Ligue 2Rivals: Paris Saint-GermainEstablished: 1969Current manager: Stephane GilliNotable former players: Jean-Francois Beltramini, Lamri Laachi, Omar da FonsecaNicknames: “The Blues” and “The Parisians” More

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    F1 star breaks rank with stern warning to Max Verstappen and says ‘you have to control yourself’

    FERNANDO ALONSO has broken ranks and told Max Verstappen to “control himself” with his swearing.The Red Bull driver was handed a community service penalty for saying his car was “f***ed” in a press conference in Singapore two-weeks-ago.Most drivers backed Max Verstappen after a tough penalty for swearingCredit: GettyFernando Alonso pointed out drivers have a responsibility to kidsCredit: RexIt came after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem compared swearing drivers to rappers and said they could be hit with penalties.Most drivers on the grid, including Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, showed their support for Verstappen.Seven-time world champion Hamilton slammed the “joke” punishment and encouraged Verstappen not to take part.Aston Martin driver Alonso said: “The fans give us a huge responsibility because we are role models for many people. So we have to behave well.READ MORE TOP STORIES“You have to be prepared to be a role model when you want to be, and when you don’t want to be, as well. “When you want to say something that is not correct, you have to control yourself, put on the brakes, and be politically correct.“At this level, you realise that a lot of people are looking up to us. If you are a driver or someone else with a public function, you just have to behave.”Verstappen, 27, was also in the spotlight for effing and blinding on the team radio at the Hungarian Grand Prix.Most read in MotorsportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollowing the Dutchman’s punishment drivers expressed their concerns on the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) WhatsApp group.Alonso added: “Fans can give you a lot of love, a lot of motivation, but there are also certain expectations. Sometimes you just have to hold back.Onlookers left stunned as F1 star Fernando Alonso’s £2.3m Aston Martin Valkyrie is filmed on back of tow truck“The fans have to believe in you. They tell you ‘You are my inspiration, you never give up, you are a fighter’.“This reminds us that there are so many fans in the world following Formula One and we must always keep that in mind. “The fans give you so much love, motivation, but that comes with responsibility.”The next race is the United States Grand Prix in Texas on October 20 with McLaren now top of the constructors’ pile after overtaking Red Bull.Meanwhile, Norris trails Verstappen – who is winless in eight races – by 52 points with six races left. More