Verstappen Unfazed as Norris Flips the Finger

Despite Norris flipping the finger mid-race, Verstappen stays cool as McLaren’s pace proves they’re the real threat in Miami.

Tensions flared in Miami as Lando Norris flipped the bird at Max Verstappen during a heated on-track battle, but it was Oscar Piastri who quietly stole the spotlight, continuing his dominant run into 2025.

Starting from pole, Verstappen couldn’t hold off the McLarens in race trim. Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko didn’t sugarcoat it.

“Max was magical over one lap, but during the race, we were nowhere near McLaren,” Marko admitted. “We’re talking about a gap of seven-tenths per lap. That’s massive.”

He added, “Lando had a poor start but recovered quickly, and once he did, their pace was untouchable. McLaren had the better straight-line speed, better tire management, they were just superior.”

While Norris vented his frustration on track, visibly flipping off his longtime friend Verstappen, it was his teammate Oscar Piastri who claimed a third consecutive win, now sitting 16 points ahead in the standings.

Right after the race, Norris didn’t hold back:
“That’s how it is with Max, either you crash or you don’t pass. He ruined his own race today. Honestly, it wasn’t smart driving.”

Verstappen, though, seemed unbothered.

“Sure, I tried a few things against the McLarens, but let’s be honest, I had nothing to lose,” said the defending champ. “They were just miles ahead. The track’s tough on tires, and they’ve clearly figured it out. You don’t even need to push in the race, if your tires stay cool, you’re faster. That’s all there is to it.”

Even Red Bull’s protest over a yellow flag incident involving George Russell, which could’ve bumped Verstappen onto the podium, didn’t interest him.

“Third or fourth? Doesn’t really matter. At some point, I just thought, ‘Whatever, I’ll be home soon with Kelly and Lily.’”

As for Norris’ finger and the public criticism of his aggressive style, Verstappen brushed it off.

“Is that a problem too now?” he said with a smirk.
“I defend with what I’ve got, like any driver should. Maybe Lando hasn’t figured that out yet.”

He continued, “In Saudi Arabia, the sprint race, here in Miami, the rules are becoming clearer. Most drivers are adapting. Maybe not him.”

“I’m not even sure the rules are great, I prefer things to play out naturally, but I stick to them. I wasn’t penalized, so I guess I’m doing something right.”