Norris stated that Verstappen is “genuinely a challenger” for the championship with seven races to go, reiterating a view McLaren staff 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 an even bigger risk to McLaren than was usually perceived.
The Briton stated: “Should you return to the start of the season, they have been difficult the primary six, seven races, difficult us within the drivers’, after which we introduced some upgrades, improved a bit of bit.
“A few races in the past, they introduced some upgrades and it looks as if that is form 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 purpose of profitable and desirous to dominate as a staff 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 count on 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 should you have a look at how the season has gone to date.
“McLaren has been extremely dominant, that does not abruptly change. So for me, I am not too harassed about something.”
McLaren are nearly sure to win the constructors’ championship this weekend – they may clinch the title so long as Mercedes don’t outscore them by 31 factors, or Ferrari by 35.
