Lando Norris has launched a stinging rebuttal against rival Max Verstappen, branding the four-time world champion 'clueless' after the Red Bull driver suggested he would have already secured the Formula 1 championship with ease if he were in the McLaren.
Verstappen's Provocative Claim
The war of words ignited when Verstappen, reflecting on the intense title battle, stated that the championship contest would not even be a topic of discussion if he were driving for the papaya team. 'We wouldn't be talking about a championship (battle). It would already have been won, easily,' Verstappen declared, adding, 'I mean they won the constructors' championship so early, you can fill it in yourself.'
Norris Fires Back in Qatar
Norris responded with a mixture of respect and defiance following the sprint race at the Losail International Circuit. While acknowledging Verstappen's incredible achievements in the sport, the British driver did not hold back in his assessment of the Dutchman's comments.
'Max is very welcome to say everything he wants. He has kind of earned the right because he has won four world championships,' Norris conceded. 'I have a lot of respect and he has achieved an incredible amount – more than anyone one could dream of achieving – and that gives anyone credit.'
However, Norris quickly shifted tone, stating, 'Max generally has a good clue about a lot of things, but there are also a lot of things he doesn't have much of a clue about.' He attributed part of the rhetoric to the aggressive culture at Red Bull, describing it as 'Red Bull's way of going about things, an aggressive nature and just talking nonsense a lot of the time.'
The Championship Stakes
The verbal jousting comes at a critical juncture in the season. The battle on the track saw Norris finish third in the Qatar sprint race, successfully holding off Verstappen who crossed the line in fourth. This result extended Norris's lead in the drivers' championship to 25 points.
With the full Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday and the season finale in Abu Dhabi next weekend, there are still 50 points available for the taking. Norris emphasised his team's focused approach, stating their strategy is to 'keep our heads down and stay focussed' rather than engage in a war of words.
When directly addressing Verstappen's claim that he would have easily won the title in the McLaren, Norris delivered a pointed retort: 'Maybe he would have done but he hasn't done so far.' This sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the F1 season as the two titans battle both on and off the track.
