Lando Norris has delivered a stinging response to Max Verstappen after the Red Bull driver claimed he would have "easily" won this year's Formula 1 world championship if he were driving for McLaren.
Verstappen's Controversial Claim
The war of words erupted on the eve of the penultimate round of the season in Qatar, where Verstappen suggested the title battle would already be over if he occupied either McLaren seat currently held by Norris or teammate Oscar Piastri. The comment came as tensions rise in one of the closest championship fights in recent memory.
Norris currently leads the standings by 22 points from Piastri, with Verstappen sitting 25 points adrift of the British driver following Saturday's sprint race. The championship could be decided in Sunday's main event if Norris outscores Piastri by four points and finishes ahead of Verstappen in any position.
Norris's Fiery Response
When confronted with Verstappen's remarks, Norris didn't hold back in his assessment. "Max is very welcome to say everything he wants," Norris stated. "He has kind of earned the right because he has won four world championships."
The McLaren driver acknowledged Verstappen's achievements, saying: "I have a lot of respect, and he has achieved an incredible amount - more than anyone could dream of achieving - and that gives anyone credit."
However, Norris quickly turned to criticism, adding: "He generally has a good clue about a lot of things, but there is also a lot of things he doesn't have much of a clue about. It is also Red Bull's way of going about things, an aggressive nature and just talking nonsense a lot of the time."
Sprint Race Drama Sets Stage
The verbal sparring comes after an eventful sprint race that saw Piastri claim victory from pole position, narrowing Norris's championship advantage from 24 points to 22. Norris finished third, one place ahead of Verstappen, who now faces an uphill battle to secure his fifth consecutive title.
The sprint race featured several tense moments, including Norris coming "within inches of a tangle with George Russell" on the run down to the opening corner. Verstappen attempted to pressure Norris early in the race, but the British driver maintained his composure and eventually pulled out of DRS range.
Piastri crossed the line 4.9 seconds clear of Russell, with Norris 1.3 seconds further back and Verstappen finishing nine seconds behind the Australian winner.
Noriss concluded his response to Verstappen with a pointed remark: "Maybe he would have done (won the title easily) but he hasn't done so far." The stage is now set for a dramatic qualifying session and potentially championship-deciding race in Qatar.
