Christian Horner Believes Lando Norris "Cracked Under Pressure" from Verstappen at Australian GP

The race in Melbourne was nothing short of a spectacle, with multiple stoppages, a safety car period, a dry spell for slick tires, and a dramatic return of rain, making race strategy a critical factor. Amidst the chaos, the final eight laps turned into a high-stakes showdown, as Verstappen relentlessly hunted down Norris, keeping the pressure on right until the finish.

Despite McLaren’s strong pace throughout the weekend, Verstappen managed to stay within DRS range, forcing Norris into a defensive stance as the Red Bull’s superior straight-line speed and Verstappen’s relentless approach turned up the heat. Speaking about the battle, Horner believed Norris was starting to crack under the pressure, as the reigning world champion closed in aggressively.

"I think Lando was starting to crack under the pressure," Horner commented. "You could see Max was closing in, pushing him hard. But unfortunately, we just didn’t have the performance to fully capitalize on it."

While Verstappen’s late-race charge created a tense finish, the bigger picture of the weekend showed that McLaren had a clear upper hand over Red Bull. Norris and his team had been in control since qualifying, showcasing impressive tire management and flawless race execution. Their ability to optimize race strategy and manage their drivers effectively gave them a significant edge over the rest of the grid.

With the Australian GP delivering one of the most thrilling races of the season, the result has rekindled the title fight narrative. McLaren has now proven that they are capable of challenging Red Bull, setting up an exciting battle for the upcoming races. While Verstappen remains the dominant force in F1, Melbourne highlighted the shrinking gap between Red Bull and McLaren. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the next race—can Norris continue his strong form, or will Verstappen bounce back with a vengeance?