Lando Norris responded to Max Verstappen’s claim he could be champion with McLaren, calling it exaggerated and suggesting Verstappen try some humor.
Lando Norris once again responded to Max Verstappen’s comment that he would have been champion had he been driving for McLaren F1. The Briton doesn’t underestimate his rival’s ability but is frustrated by such definitive statements based on assumptions.
“He should start to get into humor or something like that,” Norris retorted. “He can say whatever he wants. Of course, I don’t agree at all. He’s good, but it’s not true. So maybe it’s a bit exaggerated to say something like that.”
However, he confirmed that Verstappen’s performance was enough for Red Bull to win the Constructors’ Championship: “Red Bull would probably have won the Constructors’ World Championship if they had two drivers as good as Max, that’s for sure.”
“That’s clear. It’s obvious. It shows that as a team, they’ve probably done the best job. It’s tough. Max has proven he’s beaten everyone he’s faced. It’s hard for any teammate. It has nothing to do with me. I don’t care. He can have whatever teammate he wants.”
Norris does believe McLaren started the season in a position Red Bull never faced: “We were the fourth-best team at the start of the year. Red Bull was never the fourth-best team, or the worst, let’s say, ever.”
Norris takes comfort in the possibility of a Constructors’ title, which holds great significance for him after facing struggles with his team: “It’s been eight years since I joined McLaren, six years in F1.”
“There have been many highs and lows, many good moments, many tough ones. For me, the Constructors’ Championship title means more.”
“Some people come into Formula 1 and win in their first year – that’s not as nice a story. For me, a lot more has happened, many more chapters in my story, and I think that makes it a bit more special.”
Oscar Piastri would like to win the Constructors’ Championship with McLaren, as he has come to understand the teamwork required to reach this level: “Over my two seasons in F1, I’ve learned how much of a team game it is compared to all the feeder series, and how much more it means.”
“Not just financially, but also in terms of effort, the number of people working countless hours, the number of people spending weeks and weeks away from their families just so Lando and I can do a quick lap on a track.”
The Australian feels the pressure to deliver two strong weekends to finish the season and secure the Constructors’ title: “It means a lot, so yes, of course, there is pressure. I think it’s healthy pressure, but I’m confident we can achieve it.”
“It would be a fitting reward for what, when looking at the last two seasons, has been an incredible turnaround, and it would be the end of a great story and, hopefully, the start of long-term success for McLaren.”
On a personal note, Piastri is pleased with the progress he has made in managing race pace: “Since my first season, I think one of the most important things has been trying to manage the tires and race pace in general. I think overall, it’s been a very positive step forward.”
“There is still progress to be made, but I feel like I’ve made a big step forward. I think my qualifying performances this year have been slightly disappointing, and I’ve made life harder for myself than I would have liked in many races.”
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Norris Responds to Verstappen’s McLaren Champion Claim Norris Responds to Verstappen’s McLaren Champion Claim
