Lando Norris 'embarrassed' over Las Vegas incident

McLaren F1 star Lando Norris has said that his blunder at the start of the Las Vegas Grand Prix was 'embarrassing'.

The Brit was on the front row for lights out in Nevada as he looked to get ahead of Max Verstappen off the line.

Norris flew off the start but could not find his braking zone and went far too aggressive heading into Turn 1.

After outbraking himself, Norris went long and off the track, allowing Verstappen and George Russell behind him to swoop past as he rejoined down in third place.

Speaking after the race, the McLaren star - who has faced criticism in the past for his race starts - gave an honest assessment of the incident.

“You've got to be punchy into Turn 1,” he added. “I was just a bit too punchy, and that cost me. So that's the way it is sometimes."

Norris and Verstappen set for F1 showdown

Although the move didn't end up costing Norris the race win - he has subsequent car issues and a disqualification to thank for that - the McLaren driver likely cannot afford a repeat should he find himself on the front row with Verstappen in Qatar or Abu Dhabi.

He is now just 24 points ahead of Verstappen, as well as his team-mate Oscar Piastri, with two grands prix weekends left, including a sprint race in Qatar where an additional eight points are on offer.

On paper it sounds simple, all Norris needs to do is finish in second regardless of where Verstappen ends up and he will be champion.

But as the race start in Vegas showed us, it is seldom that simple.

The Dutchman will have the bit between his teeth as he hunts down Norris to tie Michael Schumacher's record for five consecutive drivers' titles.

Regardless of who you might be supporting this year, we are in store for an incredible end to the season.

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