Lando Norris has denied Max Verstappen’s claim that he too would win the F1 title at McLaren in 2024.
The Dutchman won his fourth consecutive world title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Sunday with two races to go, despite Red Bull finishing third in the Constructors’ Championship. :
Verstappen had a warm exchange with McLaren CEO Zak Brown when he spoke to him Sky Sports F1when he commented. “Like you said, in the past I could only win it with the fastest car. This year was a little different,” apparently referring to Brown’s comments in an interview earlier this year.
And speaking to the Dutch media later as his title run continued, Verstappen quoted The Telegraph “Such things only motivate me. If people are critical and think that I can win only with the best car, then I prove the opposite.
“If I don’t get credit for it now, I don’t know what else I can do. Would I be champion at McLaren? And much earlier.”
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Take a look back at some of the season’s highlights as McLaren’s Lando Norris dropped points to lose the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
A thrilling season has seen Verstappen win eight races, five more than Norris, although just one of those has come in the last 12 races.
“He should start with comedy or something. He can say whatever he wants,” Norris said ahead of this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix.
“Of course I don’t completely agree, as I would agree. He’s good, but he’s not right.”
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
McLaren coach Lando Norris has hit back at Max Verstappen’s claims that he could have won the championship earlier had he driven for McLaren.
Norris later added Sky Sports F1“I know what Max can do. It depends. If it wasn’t for Red Bull, yes, even I could win, if it wasn’t for Red Bull, I would win the championship. :
“I don’t believe it (his comments). I can say whatever. I can do this or that.”
Verstappen and Norris clashed at the Austrian Grand Prix, then had further controversial incidents in Austin and Mexico City as the title race began to heat up.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Watch the hilarious moment Red Bull’s four-time world champion Max Verstappen slams Zac Brown for the McLaren CEO’s comments at the start of the season.
The pair have been friends off the track for several years, and Norris says they stay that way.
“There were some tough times, but we’re still good friends. We had a good talk after the race in Vegas,” he said.
“I still have a lot of respect for him and what he’s done, so that’s fine by me.”
Norris sees Mercedes as the favorite in Qatar
McLaren can win the Constructors’ Championship if they leave the Qatar GP Sprint weekend with a lead of 45 or more points over the second-placed team.
After a tough weekend in Las Vegas, McLaren should be stronger at the Lusail International Speedway as it plays to their car’s strengths with fast corners.
However, Norris believes Mercedes will be the team to beat following their one-two in Las Vegas and the speed they showed in Qatar last year when they qualified second and third, only to collide at the first turn.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
McLaren driver Lando Norris congratulates Max Verstappen on winning his fourth world title and reflects on their battles throughout the year.
“Mercedes were very quick here last year so they are the clear favorites this weekend,” Norris said.
“Red Bull was good last year too, Max, we were good, so I expect a good fight.
“I hope it’s a bit more in our favor compared to Ferrari, but Ferrari fixed a lot of their woes that they struggled with last year, so to be honest, I have no idea. But when you look at it things, Ferrari and Mercedes are in better flow at the moment.”
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Max Verstappen reflects on his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship win and reveals more about his future at Red Bull
Sky Sports F1 live Qatar GP schedule
Friday November 29
9.55: F1 Academy Practice One
11:00: F2 practice
13:00. Qatar GP practice one (practice starts at 13:30)
14.55: Second session of the F1 Academy
16.05: F2 qualifying
17:00. Qatar GP Sprint Qualifying (Qualifying starts at 17:30)*
Saturday, November 30
12.10: F1 Academy qualifying round
13:00 Qatar GP Sprint Rally
14:00 Qatar GP SPRINT
15.30: Ted’s sprint notebook
16:00: F2 Sprint race
17.15. Qatar GP qualifying session
18:00 QATAR GP QUALIFYING
20:00: F1 Academy: First race
20.45: Ted’s qualifying notebook
Sunday December 1
10.55: Second F1 Academy race
12.15: F2 feature race
14.30. Grand Prix Sunday. Qatar GP Rally
16:00 Qatar Grand Prix
18:00. Checkered flag. Qatar GP reaction
19:00: Ted’s notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1’s season-ending triple whammy continues this weekend with the Qatar Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream the last two F1 races and more with a NOW Sports Month membership. no contract, cancel anytime
