Lando Norris has taken a cheeky jab at reigning world champion Max Verstappen, suggesting the Red Bull star is welcome to test McLaren’s car — but warns he may walk away underwhelmed. In a lighthearted exchange during a recent media event, Norris addressed rumors and comparisons surrounding McLaren’s progress, humorously inviting Verstappen to experience their car firsthand.
“Max can test our car if he wants,” Norris quipped. “I look forward to seeing his disappointment.” The British driver’s tongue-in-cheek remark was met with laughter, but it also underscored the ongoing pressure and high expectations surrounding McLaren’s push to challenge the likes of Red Bull and Ferrari. While McLaren has made strides in performance, Norris has been candid about the team still having ground to cover before truly matching the pace of the front-runners.
Verstappen, who has dominated the past few seasons with Red Bull’s superior machinery, has often been used as a benchmark by rival teams looking to close the gap. McLaren’s resurgence in recent races has drawn attention, but Norris was quick to manage expectations, stressing that their improvements are promising but not yet revolutionary. “We’ve taken steps, but there’s a reason Max is winning everything,” he added. “There’s still work to do.”
Despite the playful tone, Norris’ comments reflect a broader narrative within the paddock — one where Red Bull’s dominance has made other teams desperate to innovate and catch up. McLaren’s recent upgrades and performance gains have sparked optimism, but as Norris implies, there’s a reality check that comes with comparing any car to the championship-winning RB series.
As the F1 season continues to heat up, the friendly rivalry between Norris and Verstappen offers fans a glimpse of mutual respect mixed with a dose of humor. While the odds of Verstappen actually stepping into a McLaren are slim, Norris’ confidence — and candor — is a sign that the Woking-based squad is starting to believe in its potential, even if the road to the top remains steep.
