While Max Verstappen and George Russell trade verbal jabs in an escalating feud, McLaren’s Lando Norris has been enjoying a front-row seat to the drama, admitting he finds the squabble “entertaining to watch.”
The tension between Verstappen and Russell began in Qatar when Verstappen received a grid penalty for impeding Russell during qualifying. The fallout has since exploded into a heated war of words, with Verstappen accusing Russell of being a “backstabber” and Russell alleging Verstappen threatened to crash into him during the Grand Prix.
“I Enjoy Watching Them Argue”: Norris Weighs In
Asked about the fiery exchanges, Norris told media that he’s been amused by the back-and-forth.
“I enjoy watching them argue like they do,” Norris quipped. “It’s for them to squabble about and argue about.”
The McLaren star, who has close ties with both drivers, struck a neutral tone while offering insight into their differing approaches.
“You have the two sides,” Norris explained. “We’re paid to come here, race, and perform well for our teams. In some ways, no matter the cost, you want to win.”
Norris suggested that Russell’s assertive behavior might stem from Mercedes’ need to cling to competitive opportunities, contrasting it with Verstappen’s dominant position.
“Mercedes aren’t fighting for a championship. They’re clinging on for more, so they’ll do whatever it takes to get a pole or a win,” Norris said. “Maybe George has paid the price for that in terms of respect from Max.”
Norris on Verstappen’s Protest Against Him
Norris himself was embroiled in controversy during the Qatar GP after being hit with a penalty for ignoring double-waved yellow flags. Verstappen reported the breach to his race engineer, ensuring Norris was penalized—a move Norris took in stride.
“To be honest, I think every driver on the grid would do the same as what Max did,” Norris admitted. “That’s racing. Max could tell I didn’t obey the rules. He thought of something and said it, and that’s completely fine by me.”
The Bigger Picture: Norris on Rivalry in F1
Norris believes that confrontations like the one between Verstappen and Russell highlight the competitive nature of F1. While he sees value in racing with respect, he also acknowledges that some drivers are willing to push boundaries harder than others.
“Everyone does things their own way. Some fight harder for things, some fight less,” Norris concluded. “But at the end of the day, it’s all part of the show.”
As the dust settles on the 2024 season in Abu Dhabi, the Verstappen-Russell saga will undoubtedly add intrigue to a sport already brimming with rivalries. For Norris, however, it’s all just part of the spectacle—and he’s here for every bit of it.