Norris still believes he can retain his F1 title

ZANDVOORT, Netherlands, Aug 21 : Lando Norris still believes he has a chance of successfully defending his Formula One title, even though he says he is not currently in the championship chase.

The McLaren driver, who qualified on the front row for Saturday's Dutch Grand Prix sprint race, starts the second half of the season in fifth position overall and a mighty 91 points behind Mercedes' championship leader Kimi Antonelli.

With a maximum 12 rounds to go, and possibly only 11 if the last two Middle Eastern races have to be cancelled and replaced by one final European grand prix, closing the gap and overtaking the Italian looks a tall order.

It is still mathematically possible, however, and Red Bull's four-times champion Max Verstappen came back from 104 points behind Norris' teammate Oscar Piastri at the end of August last season to finish just two points behind Norris.

NOT STRESSED AT ALL

"This year I don't feel stressed at all. I feel very relaxed," Norris told reporters before the track action started at Zandvoort. "For two reasons: One because of what I achieved last year and two because I'm not in the fight."

Asked whether he really believed the latter part of that statement, given every racing driver's instinct to battle and hope even against the odds, Norris clarified his position.

"Of course I'm in the fight. If you want to compare it to Max last season you can do. But I don't mean it that way. I'm just not first, second (place) in the championship.

"Max didn't think he was in the fight at this point last season. So it's more just the saying of that.

"I still believe it's possible ... there's still a chance. And if there's a chance, then I want to fight for it."

Norris qualified second for the grand prix at Zandvoort last