Now the verbal altercation surrounding Max Verstappen’s McLaren announcement is really picking up speed: Lando Norris is offering the world champion a test!
Max Verstappen’s monster announcement from Suzuka continues to make waves in the Formula 1 paddock: on Thursday, the exchange of blows between him and the two McLaren drivers will therefore verbally enter the next round!
After the world champion had pointed out after his victory in Japan that the competition would not even see him if he were sitting in the McLaren, Oscar Piastri explained in the press conference in Bahrain that he did not assume that Verstappen had meant this saying seriously…
When confronted with this, however, the Dutchman confirmed to journalists on Thursday: “I wasn’t joking. Did you think it was a joke?” The Red Bull driver confirmed: “No, it wasn’t a joke.”
Verstappen continued: “We know how sensitive and how narrow the window is with our car. Then I get asked what I would do in someone else’s car – well, I’ve given an honest answer to that.”
Norris: “I know some things are wrong”
Now that the world champion has clarified this, the question remains as to what championship rival Lando Norris thinks of his confident statement? “Everyone can say and believe what they want. I am convinced that both Oscar and I are good drivers,” explains the McLaren driver: “Maybe Max is better in certain areas, but certainly not in all.”
The Brit can’t help but take a slight dig: “I have great respect for Max, but I also know that some things are not right.” Then Norris blurts out: “He’s welcome to come and test our car anytime – I’d be very curious to see the disappointment on his face when he gets out again…”
But apparently Verstappen doesn’t want to accept the invitation. Finally, the world champion made it clear on Thursday: “I also said in the same interview that it wouldn’t happen anyway.” Verstappen would like to end the discussion with that, but adds: “So there’s no point in speculating further.”
Somehow, it still doesn’t sound like the last word on the imaginary car swap between the world championship candidates has been spoken…
