Lando Norris takes a shot at Max Verstappen: “Let him try the McLaren. I want to see him disappointed”. Lando Norris responds to Max Verstappen's claim that he would have won easily in a McLaren.

As it happened in 2021 with the epic duel between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, this year the battle for the title seems to come down to a head-to-head contest between two protagonists: Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.

In addition to fighting on the track, the two have started throwing jabs at each other during interviews. At Suzuka, it was the Dutchman who came out on top, managing to keep the Englishman behind him for 53 laps, despite a Red Bull that seemed less competitive compared to the McLaren.

When it came to the interview ring, Max Verstappen didn’t mince words: “If I had driven the McLaren, I would have won by a huge margin,” he stated, implicitly emphasizing how superior he believes his rival’s car is.

However, Norris’ response was swift. As reported by RaceFans, the Briton firmly replied, “I don’t care, he can say whatever he wants. I believe that Oscar and I are great drivers. Maybe he’s better in some things, but not in everything.”

“I have a lot of respect for Max, but I also know that certain statements aren’t true. He can come and try our car whenever he wants: I’ll be curious to see his disappointed expression after the test.”

After four races, Lando Norris leads the championship with just a one-point advantage over Max Verstappen. Both have already secured two wins each, showing a balance that promises fireworks: “It’s been a good start,” concluded Lando Norris ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend –  “We’re still on top, even though it could have gone better. Max and Red Bull have done a great job with a car they say is difficult to handle, but we also know how challenging our car is.”