F1 champion Lando Norris: No fear of Max Verstappen in his own team

During the Formula 1 race at the Silverstone Circuit, one rumour was the subject of particularly intense discussion. Once again, it concerned the future of Max Verstappen, who had been linked with a move from Red Bull Racing to McLaren. But the Dutchman himself stated: “If anything new happens, you’ll hear it straight from me.”

And McLaren CEO Zak Brown emphasised at the team principals’ press conference: “We have two really strong drivers in our team in Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. But of course it’s flattering when a four-time world champion is linked with our team.” When asked whether a move by Verstappen was unlikely to happen any time soon, he confirmed: “Exactly.”

Norris and Piastri also appeared relaxed in the face of the rumours. Norris emphasised that his working relationship with the Australian was going very well and that he expected this to remain the case for the foreseeable future. However, he also made it clear straight away that he would not shy away from the challenge of competing alongside Verstappen.

“I believe I can beat any driver,” Norris declared confidently. And he praised the Dutchman from the Red Bull Ring: “I think what makes Max so special is the way he drives at a very high level every race weekend of the season. That’s very impressive. I think many drivers on the grid can put in incredible laps and take pole position. But the difference is made by those drivers who perform at that level in every qualifying session, every race and every practice session. And I believe that’s exactly where Max’s strength lies; he can probably do that better than almost any other driver.”

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