Belgian Grand Prix 2024: Lando Norris expects Max Verstappen to contest victory despite grid penalty

Ahead of the McLarens at the start will be the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc, which starts from pole, Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.

Norris said: “For our race against Max, we have to get past all of them. Charles is not going to let things go easily, same with Hamilton. He is always going to be defensive.

“When we look at the pace from Friday, it gives us a decent amount of confidence that if we focus on ourselves we can get through them at some point in the race.”

Leclerc was surprised by Ferrari’s pace in the wet and said he expected a “tricky race” after the car proved uncompetitive in the dry on Friday.

“We don’t have any magic solution for the race pace,” Leclerc said.

Perez’s front-row start is an important step for the Mexican after a series of weak results. He faces pressure for his seat and could give his hopes of keeping it over the summer break a boost if he performs strongly in the race.

“McLaren looked very strong but we are not so far away,” he said. “After the first stint we will have a good idea.”

Perez dismissed the speculation about his future, saying he “couldn’t care less”, even though Red Bull have admitted they will consider the driver line-ups across their two teams before the resumption of the season at the Dutch Grand Prix on 23-25 August.

Mercedes brought a new floor to Spa, in the hope it would increase their competitiveness, but reverted their cars to the specification in which Hamilton won the British Grand Prix three weeks ago after problems on Friday.

Hamilton said: “Max will make his way through pretty quick. That car is fastest here this weekend or at least tied with McLaren.

“We just have to keep our heads down and try to hold position. I’m going to try my utmost. I will see if I can keep up with the guys ahead of me. I’m hoping the changes we have made will be better [for the race].”