The battle for the 2024 Formula One World Championship took a surprising turn off the track as McLaren’s Lando Norris fired back at newly crowned champion Max Verstappen’s bold claim. The Red Bull driver, who secured his fourth title last weekend in Las Vegas, suggested he would have clinched the championship “even earlier” had he been driving a McLaren this season.
Norris, Verstappen’s closest rival in the latter half of the season with three victories to his name, wasted no time in dismissing the Dutchman’s assertion. “He should start doing comedy or something,” the young Brit quipped, adding, “He can say whatever he wants. Of course, I completely disagree — as I would. He’s good, but, yeah, it’s not true.”
McLaren’s Constructors’ Championship Hopes
The war of words comes as McLaren holds a slender lead in the constructors’ championship, with just two races remaining. The British outfit sits 24 points clear of Ferrari and 53 ahead of Red Bull. Despite this, Norris believes Red Bull had the strongest overall package in 2024.
“Red Bull probably would have won the constructors’ if they had two drivers as good as Max, that’s for sure,” he argued. “That’s clear. That’s obvious. It shows that as a team they’ve still probably done the best job. It’s tough.”
Verstappen’s Dominance and Teammate Struggles
Norris also highlighted Verstappen’s unrivaled ability to outperform his teammates, a trend that has defined the Dutchman’s career thus far. “Max has proved with everybody that he has gone up against, he has beaten. That’s tough for any teammate. It has got nothing to do with me. I don’t care. He can have any teammate he wants.”
Verstappen’s current Red Bull partner, Sergio Pérez, has struggled to match the champion’s pace consistently, a fact that has undoubtedly impacted the team’s constructors’ title hopes. In contrast, Norris and his teammate have delivered a more balanced performance, propelling McLaren to the top of the standings.
Friendship Endures Despite On-Track Clashes
The title fight has not been without its controversies, with Norris and Verstappen clashing on several occasions, notably in Austria, Austin, and Mexico. However, the McLaren driver insists their friendship remains intact despite the fierce on-track battles.
“No. There were some tougher moments but we’re still good friends. We had a nice word with each other after the race last weekend. I still have a lot of respect for him and what he’s done, so from my side all good.”
– Lando Norris on his relationship with Max Verstappen
As the 2024 season reaches its climax, all eyes will be on the thrilling constructors’ championship battle and the evolving dynamic between two of Formula One’s brightest young stars. With Verstappen’s provocative comments adding fuel to the fire, fans can expect an electrifying conclusion to an already unforgettable campaign.
