Max Verstappen has addressed comments from Lando Norris suggesting that elite drivers might avoid partnering with him.
The 26-year-old Verstappen is anticipated to secure his fourth consecutive World Championship title this season. His exceptional performance in Formula 1 has sparked discussions about whether his prowess makes him a challenging partner for fellow team members.
This follows Norris’s suggestion that he would be reluctant to join Verstappen at Red Bull, citing the team’s ongoing strategy to centre its efforts around the Dutch driver.
Lando Norris, speaking to SkySports 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.”
When questioned about Lando Norris’ perspective on top drivers being hesitant to team up with him, the Dutch driver stated: “I think if I look back at myself four years ago compared to now, just a bit more calm, a bit more experienced.”
“In some scenarios that can definitely make a bit of a difference, probably winning a championship helps as well.
“But it would be quite exciting I think to have my four-year-old younger self team up against my current one. I’m not afraid of a challenge and I think it’s cool to race the best in the world. But again, also from his [Norris’] side, I don’t know what’s going on in the team there.
“I’m 26 years old, so hopefully I haven’t peaked yet. You constantly keep learning and even when you’re 40 years old, you’re still learning in the sport, it’s constant.
“From the team’s side, I see the motivation and it’s never enough. We want to keep on trying to win, we want to keep winning championships. Only time will tell if we’ve done enough.”
