Max Verstappen has said he can understand why Lando Norris has opted to snub going up against him at Red Bull by extending his Formula 1 stint with McLaren.
McLaren announced at the end of last month that Norris had signed a multi-year contract, committing him to the team for the sport’s upcoming regulation overhaul in 2026.
That has taken Norris out of the running for the possible vacant seat at Red Bull, despite advisor Helmut Marko naming him as an option to replace Sergio Perez in 2025.
The Briton has been a long-term target for Red Bull, with Norris disclosing that discussions had even taken place with the reigning champions over a potential switch.
Norris, who enters his sixth F1 season this term, denied he was scared of Verstappen, citing how remaining with McLaren is his best bet at beating the reigning champion.
When asked by Sky Sports if he was afraid to partner Verstappen on equal terms in the same car, Norris answered: “I think it’s a longer discussion than just saying that.
“Is Max one of the best drivers ever in Formula 1? Absolutely. I think he’s proved that enough.
“He’s in a team which he’s very comfortable in, a lot of things are built around him, so for anyone – even the Max of a few years ago – to go in against the Max of now is extremely difficult.
“So I don’t think it’s a question of: are you scared or not scared? I don’t think I’d ever be scared of going up against anyone.
“But even if you enter a team, are you in a position to challenge someone straight away? And are you comfortable to do that?
“And I think it’s a ‘no’ – for any driver. It takes time to adapt and takes time to get into place.
“And if you want to go against the best driver in the world, it’s not the best thing to do. It’s not a smart move to do.
“But I would love to race against Max. I’ve enjoyed some of our battles that we’ve had and I’m looking even more forward to the battles that we’re going to have this year.”
Speaking to Sky Sports at the launch of Red Bull’s RB20 car, Verstappen was asked about Norris’ claim that his former self would struggle against his dominant current form.
“If I look back at myself four years ago, compared to now, you are a bit more calm and experienced,” Verstappen said.
“And that in some scenarios can make a difference, probably winning a championship helps as well, but it would be quite exciting to have my four year younger self to team up against my current one. I am not afraid of a challenge, it’s cool to race the best in the world.”
Having begun the previous season struggling with an underdeveloped car, a series of inspired upgrades transformed McLaren into Red Bull’s most consistent challenger.
With the Woking-based squad bidding to make further inroads on Red Bull, Verstappen can empathise with Norris’ decision to remain with McLaren long-term.
“But from his [Lando’s] side, I don’t know what’s going on in the team there,” he continued.
“And when you feel really happy and confident with the people you are with, and they’ve [McLaren] been on a positive trajectory, you also think to yourself: ‘Maybe I don’t need to leave and I can make this a success.’”
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