LAW OF THE LANDO

New No.1 Norris is given the green light to take it to Max

- DANIEL MOXON

LANDO NORRIS is finally set to get McLaren’s backing as he takes an unlikely title fight to Max Verstappen.

The Brit lined up on pole in Monza on Sunday but threw away his chance to take a significant chunk out of the Red Bull racer’s lead in the championship.

Norris lost out to team-mate Oscar Piastri and eventual Italian GP winner Charles Leclerc on the opening lap and finished third, while Verstappen crossed the line sixth.

He is 62 points behind the Dutchman with eight race weekends remaining.

McLaren boss Andrea Stella has been reluctant to issue team orders but now seems ready to back Norris’ title bid.

Stella said: “Lando is obviously in the best position, from a numbers point of view.