For much of this season, Red Bull’s driver Max Verstappen has been stating that the McLaren car is significantly more powerful than the RB21, a statement that Norris seems to ignore repeatedly.
Verstappen has found it necessary to take a dig at the other drivers competing for the top slot on the grid during the pre-season.
“I’m very happy with what I’m doing, I don’t even want to think about it if I’d been in that other car [McLaren], Then you wouldn’t have seen me,” he said during the post-race interview.
The second part of the triple-header season kicks off with Bahrain. Ahead of the race weekend, Norris was in the press room for media obligations and he was asked what he thinks about the comment made by Verstappen.
“I don’t mind, he can say what he wants. I don’t care, honestly. Everyone can say what they want and believe what they want,” said Norris.
“I think both Oscar [Piastri] and myself are good drivers, he is maybe better at some things and even then, he is not better in every area.”
“I respect Max a lot but I also know some things are not true. He can come test our car whenever he wants and I will be excited to see the disappointment on his face after getting out.”
Norris has shown irritation whenever someone brings up the advantages that the McLaren car has over the field, especially in regard to its performance compared to other teams.
Before the Japanese Grand Prix, Norris dismissed the idea that ‘McLaren is unbeatable’ and said that, as Lando noted, ‘McLaren was beaten’ in Japan.’
“Listen, I think it’s your duty as the media to do your digging and not listen to everyone and write whatever they say,” he said.
“You’ve got to attempt to appreciating what they are trying to say and prove that what they state is not a fact and for this case, should be able to say a load of nonsense and you’re going to write it down, but try to capture the essence of what truly is and not write absurdity that people love to make claim to because they feel it is the truth.”
As much as he would concede that their car is the fastest in the whole grid, his narrative always shifts to the narrative that he along with his teammate, Oscar Piastri, has made over the last three seasons for the attempt and success.
While McLaren could take advantage of the tire wear issues they anticipate with the RB21, Norris is expected to compete with Verstappen once again for the victory in Bahrain, which could lead to a potential 1-2 finish.
