Two-time world champion Emerson Fittipaldi has identified a striking similarity between reigning world champion Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, and it's all about how they perform when the pressure's on. In a recent interview with Betway Insider, the F1 legend highlighted a specific quality that sets both drivers apart from the rest of the grid. Fittipaldi reckons that Norris, just like Verstappen, possesses the rare ability to produce what he calls a 'magic lap' when it matters most, pulling something special out of thin air under pressure.

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What makes this comparison particularly interesting is the context surrounding McLaren's 2026 campaign. Despite struggling with a sub-optimal car design thanks to the new ruleset, Norris has been putting together consistently strong performances that have caught Fittipaldi's attention. The Brazilian legend was keen to praise Norris's wet weather craft as well, noting how the McLaren driver excels in difficult conditions and always seems capable of stringing together a quick lap exactly when the team needs it. According to Fittipaldi, McLaren have lost some ground to their rivals this year, but they're in the process of recovering from those early season struggles.

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Beyond just highlighting the similarities, Fittipaldi was full of praise for both drivers. He emphasized that Norris is an extremely quick operator who's already proven himself as a world champion, while he maintained his long-held belief that Verstappen remains the number one driver on the grid. When asked if Verstappen could eventually match or surpass Lewis Hamilton's eight world titles, Fittipaldi was emphatic about the Dutchman's potential, citing his youth, commitment to racing across all disciplines, and his relentless pursuit of perfection as reasons why he believes Verstappen will achieve great things.

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The comparison between Norris and Verstappen comes as Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli prepares for a potential title-clinching opportunity at the next race in Texas. Fittipaldi's observations suggest that despite McLaren's recent struggles and the competitive nature of the 2026 championship fight, Norris has earned respect from the legends of the sport through his ability to deliver performances that keep his team in the fight when circumstances could easily have left them behind.

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