The Formula 1 world has been shaken again by a sharp statement by McLaren driver Lando Norris, who, after the Grand Prix of Miami, focused his arrows at four-time world champion Max Verstappen. During the press conference after the race, where Norris finished second, he called Verstappens driving style “not smart” and suggested that the Dutchman ruined his own race by defending too aggressively. These comments have loosened the tongues, especially since Norris himself has not won Grand Prix, let alone a world title. The rivalry between the two drivers, who are known outside the job as friends, seems to have reached a new dimension on the circuit, with fans and experts who respond divided to Norris’s statements.
The controversy started in the opening round of the Miami Grand Prix, where Norris tried to catch up with Verstappen. Verstappen, who, as usually, defended fiercely, closed the door, so that Norris had to divert and lost four positions. Although the FIA did not impose punishment and ruled that Verstappen was acting within the rules, Norris was clearly frustrated. “He is fighting hard, but he ruin his own race. He is not really racing,” Norris told Racingnews365 and other media. These harsh words were striking, given that Verstappens dominant record, with four world titles and recent victories in Japan and Imola in 2025. Norris’s comments seem to come from a growing frustration, especially since he has not yet found an answer to Verstappen’s aggressive style.
The dynamics between Norris and Verstappen is not new. Last season, Norris expressed all his displeasure about Verstappen’s defensive maneuvers, but the tone has now become sharper. During the race in Miami, Norris’s frustration even became visible on onboard images, where he raised a middle finger to Verstappen. This gesture, combined with his later statements, points to a driver who is struggling with the mental and strategic challenges of racing against a champion like Verstappen. Some analysts, such as Juan Pablo Montoya, point out that Norris’s lack of experience in winning races is troubling him. “Verstappen is a class of its own in defending,” said Montoya on gptoday.net. “Norris must learn to deal with those situations smarter instead of complaining.”
The reactions to Norris’s statements are mixed. On X, some fans praised his frankness, while others accused him of arrogance. “How does someone dare to criticize a four -time champion without victories?” wrote a user. Others pointed to the irony that Norris, which is second in the championship, hurt his own race in Canada by a collision with teammate Oscar Piastri. McLaren team boss Andrea Stella, however, has promised Norris full support, as he told GP33, and emphasized that the team helps him to grow as a driver. Piastri, who did in Miami successfully overtake Verstappen, seemed to have less trouble with the Dutchman. “I knew what to expect,” he said, suggesting that Norris’s approach was less effective.
The criticism seems to have little impact for Verstappen. The Dutchman, who hunts for his fifth title in 2025, made a catch -up in Canada after disappointing races in Monaco and Spain, where he became second behind George Russell. With 49 points ahead of Piastri, he remains the man to beat, despite an imminent suspension due to penalty points after a controversial incident with Russell in Spain. Verstappen himself was diplomatic about the situation with Norris: “Everyone fights in their own way. I focus on my race.” This calm attitude contrasts with Norris’s emotional reaction and underlines the difference in experience between the two.
The Grand Prix of Austria, which takes place this weekend on the Red Bull Ring, promises a new confrontation between Norris and Verstappen. Verstappen, who has already won there five times, is a favorite, but McLaren’s strong form this season makes a fight at the front. Norris will have to strengthen his words with a strong performance, especially now that his eyes are aimed at him after his daring statements. Formula 1 remains a sport of tension and emotion, and this incident proves that the battle is not only fed on the job. While Verstappen continues his champion price, Norris has to prove that he can not only talk, but can also deliver against the best driver of his generation.
