MAX VERSTAPPEN believes Lando Norris is ready to rival him for the world championship as the Red Bull driver cast doubt on his own chances at the Monaco Grand Prix.

After his maiden victory in Miami, Norris chased Verstappen all the way to the chequered flag in Imola, finishing less than a second behind the Dutchman.

Norris is 60 points off the title pace ahead of this weekend’s race in the principality, but Verstappen said: “He [Norris] is really in the mix.