Max Verstappen will secure the 2024 drivers' championship, but McLaren will take home the constructors' crown, according to Bernie Ecclestone.
The former Formula 1 chief, speaking to sport.de, believes Lando Norris will not be able to topple the reigning three-time world champion in the drivers' battle.
"He (Verstappen) already has a lead, so now he just has to be a bit lucky," the 93-year-old said. "So as far as the drivers' title is concerned, it will definitely be Max."
"But McLaren will definitely win the constructors' championship," he added.
Despite Verstappen's strong lead early in the season, Ecclestone noted that Norris had missed several opportunities when McLaren's car performance improved.
"McLaren has two very capable drivers and a very good car," Ecclestone remarked. "But Norris has made a few mistakes so far, which he knows he made and which he would rather not have made."
"I think he's got it pretty well together now," Ecclestone added.
Interestingly, the former F1 boss also tipped Norris' teammate, Oscar Piastri, as an emerging star.
"The Australian, I think, is a magic guy," Ecclestone said. "He would, for sure, be world champion within the next two years if the car keeps performing the way it is. That's what will happen."
"He really stands out amongst all the others," Ecclestone continued.
Ecclestone was also asked about the decline of Formula 1 in Germany, blaming Mercedes for not doing enough to retain the German Grand Prix on the calendar.
"It is disappointing that Formula 1 has fallen asleep in Germany," Ecclestone told German broadcasters ntv and RTL. "In my time, the greatest support for me probably came from Germany. Now, there no longer seems to be the financial willingness to do what is necessary to bring Formula 1 back."
"I would have thought that Mercedes would perhaps help a little more to ensure that there is a German race again. But I suspect that it is difficult for them to make such decisions."
When asked about Stefano Domenicali's intentions regarding the German GP's return, Ecclestone appeared skeptical.
"I think he's providing what the American owners want to see," he said. "More races. So I'm not so sure."
"There have been a lot of great new races in recent years, which is great. I'm happy about that," Ecclestone continued. "That's how Formula 1 has been kept alive and developed more."
