Lando Norris backtracks on Max Verstappen’s ‘luck’ in Brazil: “I take back what I said”. Lando Norris backtracks on Max Verstappen's 'luck' at Interlagos.

Gala Night in Kigali
“It was just luck, nothing but luck.” Immediately after the race in Interlagos, Lando Norris had dismissed Max Verstappen’s remarkable comeback from 17th to 1st place (aided by a red flag that spared Verstappen a pit stop), a performance that essentially sealed the World Championship title. This came at a point when it seemed the fight for the championship could reignite, following Verstappen’s Q2 elimination and Norris securing pole position.

“First of all, I want to take back what I said about it being just luck and no talent,” Lando Norris said on stage in Kigali during the FIA End-of-Year Awards Ceremony. “As you know, the media twist things. I want to congratulate Max—what he has achieved this year and what he did in Brazil was incredible. It’s been a tough season, and I can say that from personal experience because I’ve often battled with him. I tried to bring the best version of myself to the challenge, but it wasn’t enough. Sometimes, I even think that finishing second behind Max is still a result to be proud of.

“This has been a positive year for me, where I’ve reached significant milestones, but I know I need to do more next year.”

Lando Norris’s comments in Brazil were difficult to misinterpret, making his accusation against the media somewhat misplaced. However, it’s understandable that emotions run high in the heat of the moment. Choosing the FIA Gala stage to publicly retract his statement was a meaningful gesture by Norris. In 2024, Norris claimed his maiden Formula 1 victory in Miami and followed it up with wins in Zandvoort, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi, playing a crucial role in McLaren’s first Constructors’ Championship title in 26 years.