AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Lando Norris Hits Back at Verstappen’s McLaren Claim: ‘He Should Start Doing Comedy’

Miguel Cunha by Miguel Cunha
December 4, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Lando Norris Hits Back at Verstappen’s McLaren Claim: ‘He Should Start Doing Comedy’

Formula One F1 - Qatar Grand Prix - Lusail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar - November 28, 2024 McLaren's Lando Norris arrives at the circuit REUTERS/Rula Rouhana

Lando Norris has dismissed Max Verstappen’s assertion that he could have clinched his fourth Formula 1 title earlier in 2024 had he been driving a McLaren MCL38 instead of his Red Bull RB20. The bold claim, made by Verstappen after securing the championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, was met with sharp skepticism from Norris, who humorously suggested Verstappen take up stand-up comedy.


Verstappen’s Claim Sparks Debate

Verstappen, who faced a challenging season marked by balance issues with his Red Bull and a 10-race winless streak, praised McLaren’s competitive edge. Speaking to Dutch media, he suggested the McLaren was so strong that he could have secured the championship “a lot sooner” had he been racing in their car.


Norris: ‘It’s Not True’

Norris, who emerged as Verstappen’s closest rival during McLaren’s midseason resurgence, laughed off the claim.
“He should start doing comedy or something,” Norris quipped ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix. “He can say whatever he wants. Of course, I completely disagree, as I would. He’s good, but, yeah, it’s not true.”

Norris emphasized McLaren’s challenging start to the season, highlighting the uphill battle they faced compared to Red Bull’s consistency:
“We were the fourth-best team at the beginning of the year. Red Bull have never been the fourth-best team, or worst let’s say, ever.”


Leclerc Weighs In

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc echoed Norris’ skepticism, calling Verstappen’s statement “a stretch.”
“It’s very difficult to say something like that not knowing actually what the car is like,” Leclerc said. “He’s an incredible driver, no doubt, but these are things we can’t really prove.”


A Historic Achievement for Verstappen

Despite the doubts surrounding his claim, Verstappen’s title victory in 2024 is historic. Should Red Bull finish third in the Constructors’ Championship, he would be the first Drivers’ Champion for a team outside the top two since Nelson Piquet achieved the feat with Brabham in 1983.


Norris on Red Bull’s Performance

Norris also addressed Red Bull’s struggles in the Constructors’ standings, pointing out the disparity between Verstappen’s success and Sergio Perez’s underwhelming season.
“Red Bull probably would have won the Constructors’ if they had two drivers as good as Max, that’s for sure. That’s clear. That’s obvious.”

Perez, who sits eighth in the Drivers’ Championship, is 251 points behind Verstappen, fueling speculation about his future with the team.


The Bigger Picture

While Verstappen’s claim adds fuel to the ongoing rivalry between the top teams, it also highlights his confidence and self-belief. For Norris and McLaren, the focus remains on continuing their impressive trajectory heading into 2025, where they aim to challenge Verstappen and Red Bull more consistently.

As the paddock debates Verstappen’s hypothetical dominance in other cars, one thing is certain: his 2024 title run, whether or not aided by McLaren or Ferrari machinery, will be remembered as one of his most hard-fought triumphs.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Lando Norris Dominates F1 British GP, Leaving Rivals in Dust
Motorsports

Lando Norris Dominates F1 British GP, Leaving Rivals in Dust

Formula One F1 - British Grand Prix - Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain - July 4, 2025 McLaren's Lando Norris during...

by Harry Stone
July 4, 2025
Max Verstappen’s Shocking Exit Plan Revealed: Horner’s Explosive McLaren Taunt
Motorsports

Max Verstappen’s Shocking Exit Plan Revealed: Horner’s Explosive McLaren Taunt

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by Miguel Cunha
July 4, 2025
Victor Martins Dominates Silverstone Qualifying, Eyes First Victory with F2 Pole Triumph
Motorsports

Victor Martins Dominates Silverstone Qualifying, Eyes First Victory with F2 Pole Triumph

Victor Martins Dominates F2 Qualifying at Silverstone, Eyes First Win of 2025 Season In a thrilling display of skill and...

by Carl Smith
July 4, 2025
Max Verstappen’s Silverstone Struggle: Helmut Marko Admits Red Bull Catastrophe
Motorsports

Max Verstappen’s Silverstone Struggle: Helmut Marko Admits Red Bull Catastrophe

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by David Castro
July 4, 2025

Recent News

Lando Norris Dominates F1 British GP, Leaving Rivals in Dust

Lando Norris Dominates F1 British GP, Leaving Rivals in Dust

July 4, 2025
Max Verstappen’s Shocking Exit Plan Revealed: Horner’s Explosive McLaren Taunt

Max Verstappen’s Shocking Exit Plan Revealed: Horner’s Explosive McLaren Taunt

July 4, 2025
Victor Martins Dominates Silverstone Qualifying, Eyes First Victory with F2 Pole Triumph

Victor Martins Dominates Silverstone Qualifying, Eyes First Victory with F2 Pole Triumph

July 4, 2025
Max Verstappen’s Silverstone Struggle: Helmut Marko Admits Red Bull Catastrophe

Max Verstappen’s Silverstone Struggle: Helmut Marko Admits Red Bull Catastrophe

July 4, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks