FORMULA 1 RACING
Lando Norris gives reasons why no top driver wants to be Max Verstappen’s team-mate..
Lando Norris ended speculation of a move to Red Bull by signing a multi-year McLaren contract extension.
Lando Norris has explained why driving alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull is a poisoned chalice for any top driver. Norris, who has been strongly linked with a move to join the reigning world champion, believes Red Bull are set up to allow Verstappen to succeed.
The Briton recently signed a new “multi-year” contract with McLaren, extending the previous deal which ran until 2025. It ends speculation that he could replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull.
A positive second half of the 2023 season saw Norris linked with succeeding the under-performing Perez and becoming Verstappen’s new partner. However, the 24-year-old has explained why drivers might be persuaded against making that move, pointing out that they would be playing second-fiddle to the world’s best driver.
Asked by Sky Sports if he would be concerned about driving alongside the three-time world champion, Norris said: “It’s a longer discussion than saying that. Is Max Verstappen the best driver in Formula One history? Absolutely yes, I think he’s proved that well enough..He’s in a team that he’s very comfortable in. Everything is built up around him. For anyone – even for the Max of a few years ago – to go up against the Max of now, it’s extremely difficult.
I don’t think it’s a question of, ‘Are you scared [to drive alongside Verstappen]?’ I don’t think I’ll ever be scared of going against anyone. Even if you’re in a team, are you in a position to challenge someone straight away? Are you comfortable doing that? I think it’s a no for any driver.
“It takes time to adapt and it takes time to get things into place. If you want to go against the best driver in the world, it’s not the best thing to do. It’s not a smart move to do.
But I would love to race against Max, I’ve enjoyed some of the battles that we’ve had. I’m even more looking forward to the battles that we’re going to have this year.”
Verstappen is the man to beat in 2024, with the Dutchman preparing to battle for a fourth consecutive World Drivers’ Championship title. The Red Bull ace will hope to fend off competition from team-mate Perez, a resurgent Mercedes, and the likes of Ferrari, Aston Martin and McLaren
Despite dominating for the past two years, the 26-year-old admits luck will be on his side if he achieves a record eight world titles in Formula One. Speaking to The Times, Verstappen said: “You need to be lucky to be in a great car for a longer period of time. You’re very dependent on the material you have.
When I won my first title, I said, everything that comes next is a bonus because, realistically, in F1, I’ve achieved everything that I wanted to achieve.”
