Lando Norris Issues Warning to Red Bull After Close Pitlane Encounter with Verstappen
Lando Norris found himself in a high-stakes moment with Max Verstappen during the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, as the two drivers narrowly avoided disaster in the pitlane. The McLaren star was forced off track and onto the grass in a tense wheel-to-wheel moment with the Red Bull driver, which later drew attention from the stewards but resulted in no penalty.
The incident occurred when both Norris and Verstappen, who had been closely matched throughout the opening stint of the race, headed into the pits for their sole tyre change. Norris, who had done well to stay within a second of the reigning World Champion, entered the pits alongside Verstappen as they both looked to make a seamless switch from medium to hard tyres.
McLaren executed a slightly faster stop for Norris compared to Red Bull’s service for Verstappen. As both drivers approached the pitlane exit, it seemed Norris had the better launch. The Briton released his pit limiter marginally sooner than Verstappen, drawing nearly level with the Red Bull as they surged towards the track re-entry.
However, with the pit exit narrowing and curving left, Norris found himself squeezed for space. In a bid to avoid contact with Verstappen, who maintained his line, Norris veered off the tarmac and briefly drove onto the grass. A concrete wall lined the pitlane exit, and the moment could easily have resulted in a crash. Fortunately for Norris, he managed to regain control and rejoin the circuit safely.
Both drivers were quick to radio their respective teams to give their perspectives. Norris told McLaren that Verstappen had forced him off track, implying the Dutchman had been overly aggressive. Verstappen, in turn, suggested that Norris had prematurely deactivated his pitlane speed limiter — a move that, if true, could be deemed an unsafe release.
Despite the drama, the race stewards reviewed the incident and opted not to take any disciplinary action. Verstappen continued to lead the race and ultimately crossed the finish line just one second ahead of Norris, who took a commendable second-place finish.
Speaking to the media after the race, Norris downplayed the incident, demonstrating maturity and composure. “It’s racing, I think,” Norris said. “I mean, he was still ahead. It kind of squeezes into one. Max is the last guy I expect to give me any space — in a good way and in a racing way — so nothing more than that.”
Norris’s comments reflect a competitive but respectful rivalry between the two. Rather than escalating the situation, the McLaren driver acknowledged that such aggressive moments are part and parcel of racing at the highest level, particularly when going up against someone as uncompromising as Verstappen.
The camaraderie between the pair was evident in the post-race cooldown room, where they laughed off the incident. Verstappen joked that Norris’s off-road excursion had turned the McLaren into an “expensive lawnmower,” a quip that Norris took in stride.
Despite the good humor, the moment underscored the intensity of the battle between McLaren and Red Bull. Norris’s ability to push Verstappen throughout the race — staying within striking distance and matching his pace — is a clear signal of McLaren’s progress and growing threat.
When reflecting on the weekend, Norris hinted that qualifying may have cost him a shot at victory. “Yeah, I guess I just lost out yesterday,” he remarked, alluding to Saturday’s session where Verstappen had secured pole position. Starting just behind him meant Norris was always playing catch-up, and while he came close, he couldn’t quite find the opening he needed during the race.
Nevertheless, the performance from Norris and McLaren at Suzuka reinforces their standing as genuine contenders this season. While Red Bull still holds the upper hand, the margin is narrowing — and as Norris continues to mature and gain confidence, his rivalry with Verstappen could become one of the defining storylines of the season.
The pitlane encounter may have been a fleeting moment, but it served as a reminder of how fine the margins are at the top. For Norris, it was a near miss that showcased both his skill and his mindset. For Red Bull, it was a warning shot: McLaren are getting closer — and they’re not backing down.
