Driving beside Max Verstappen at Red Bull is a poisoned chalice for any elite driver, as Lando Norris has argued.
Norris thinks Red Bull is positioned to help Verstappen thrive. He has been heavily linked to a move to join the
current world champion.
The Briton and McLaren recently inked a new “multi-year” pact that extends their previous agreement, which was
set to expire in 2025. That puts a stop to rumors that he might take Sergio Perez’s place at Red Bull.
After a strong second half to the 2023 season, Norris was mentioned as a possible replacement for Perez, who
struggled, and as Verstappen’s new partner. The 24-year-old has clarified why drivers could be discouraged from
taking that action, pointing out that doing so would put them in second place to the best driver in the world.
When asked if he would be nervous driving next to the three-time world champion, Norris responded, “It’s a longer
discussion than saying that,” by Sky Sports. Is Max Verstappen the greatest driver in the history of Formula One?
Indeed, he has sufficiently demonstrated that, in my opinion.
He plays for a team in which he feels completely at ease. Everything is centered on him. It’s quite hard for anyone to
compete with the Max of today, even for the Max of a few years ago.
“I don’t believe the issue is one of fear [when driving beside Verstappen].” I don’t believe I will ever be afraid to
disagree with someone. Are you in a position to challenge someone right away, even in a team setting? Do you feel
comfortable carrying out the task? I believe that no motorist should do it.
“It need time to adjust and to arrange things properly. It’s not the wisest course of action to defy the world’s greatest
driver. It’s not a wise course of action. “But I’ve enjoyed some of our battles, and I would love to race against Max.”
I’m much more excited about the fights we will engage in this year.”
With Verstappen gearing up to compete for a record-tying fourth World Drivers’ Championship, he is the man to
beat in 2024. The Red Bull star will have to contend with opposition from McLaren, Ferrari, Aston Martin, and
teammate Perez as well as a rejuvenated Mercedes.
The 26-year-old acknowledges that luck will be on his side if he wins a record eight Formula One world titles, despite
dominating for the previous two years. Verstappen stated, “You need to be lucky to be in a great car for a longer
period of time,” in an interview with The Times. You rely a great deal on the resources at your disposal.
“Really, I’ve accomplished everything I set out to do in Formula One, so everything else is just a bonus,” I remarked
after winning my first title.
