Lando Norris Reflects on Regrettable Comments About Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton: “I Say Stupid Things Sometimes”
Newly crowned Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris has opened up about a side of his career that many fans rarely see — his regret over some of the emotional comments he has made about fellow drivers, particularly Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, during tense racing moments.
Norris sealed his first-ever F1 championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, becoming the latest British driver after Lewis Hamilton to secure motorsport’s biggest accolade. The victory capped off a remarkable chapter in McLaren’s resurgence, with Norris playing a central role in lifting the team from inconsistent midfield showings to a dependable front-running force.
Yet, despite the high of claiming the title, Norris spent time after the race looking backward rather than forward. The Briton admitted that some of the remarks he has made about his closest rivals — especially Verstappen and Hamilton — were said impulsively, often driven by adrenaline and raw competitive emotion, and that he wishes he could take some of them back.
One of the most memorable examples came during the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix. After Lewis Hamilton complimented the pace and form of the McLaren car, Norris responded sharply, remarking that Hamilton “had a fast car seven years ago” and merely maximised the opportunity he had at the time. He added, “Now it’s us.” The comment stirred debate among fans and pundits, many arguing that it downplayed Hamilton’s achievements.
Reflecting with more maturity and perspective after clinching the title, Norris acknowledged that those sorts of remarks were not his proudest moments.
“I know at times I say some stupid things,” he confessed when speaking to the media. “I say things about Max, or things I’ve said before that get everyone talking, especially when it has to do with Lewis.”
Norris made it clear that the issue was not about disrespect — quite the opposite. He insisted that deep down he holds an enormous amount of admiration for the champions he races against, including Verstappen, his closest title rival, his teammate Oscar Piastri, and of course Hamilton, whose career achievements remain unmatched in the modern era.
“I honestly believe I give more respect to other drivers than anyone else,” he said. “I give a lot of respect to Oscar. I give respect to Max. And I try to give as much respect as I can to Lewis — he’s a seven-time world champion.”
Norris did not shy away from acknowledging the extraordinary level Hamilton has reached in Formula 1. “He’s the best driver… you compare him to Schumacher — the best to ever race in Formula 1.”
While some fans have begun debating whether Norris might one day challenge Hamilton’s legacy, the newly crowned champion remained realistic. He admitted he is nowhere near Hamilton’s peak — and may never reach it.
“I’m not even close to that,” Norris said. “I might never be. I dream about those kinds of things. I dreamt of today, and I’ve managed to achieve one of the seven he has. Comparing myself to him… that’s still a long way off.”
Still, Norris recognises that winning his first championship is a major step forward — and possibly the beginning of something bigger. But with that success also comes introspection. He admitted that his emotional reactions sometimes get the better of him, especially in tense environments like cooldown rooms, where drivers often speak freely before calming down.
“Do I regret some of the comments I’ve made in cooldown rooms or wherever? Yes,” he said. “But a lot of it happens in the heat of the moment. And the second I say it, I think, ‘Why the hell did I just say that?’”
Norris emphasised that he has never tried to portray a false image of who he is. His candidness, even when it leads to uncomfortable moments, comes from a desire to remain authentic.
“I try to be as genuine as I can,” he concluded. “I’m human, I make mistakes, and sometimes emotions take over. But I always try to show respect, especially to those who have achieved incredible things in the sport.”
As Norris begins his reign as world champion, his reflections suggest a driver growing not only in skill, but in maturity. The title may mark the start of a new era for McLaren and for Norris himself — one where success is matched with humility, self-awareness, and a deeper appreciation for the legends who came before him.
