IndyCar Icon Calls Lando Norris a ’12-Year-Old’ Against Max Verstappen in Head-to-Head Battles

IndyCar veteran Arie Luyendyk mocked Lando Norris' lack of maturity compared to Max Verstappen.

IndyCar Icon Calls Lando Norris a ’12-Year-Old’ Against Max Verstappen in Head-to-Head Battles

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (images via IMAGO)

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Max Verstappen and Lando Norris are two of the biggest names in Formula 1 right now. The two went head-to-head last season for the world championship. Albeit, Verstappen comfortably managed to defend the title as his McLaren counterpart made a handful of mistakes. Now, former Indy 500 winner Arie Luyendyk has pointed out the difference in the level of maturity between the two.

2024 was the first time in Lando Norris‘ career when he was fighting for the world title. On the other hand, Max Verstappen was trying to win a fourth title in a row. It is no surprise that the Red Bull star was better prepared in the championship battle with far better composure even during intense moments.

Arie Luyendyk recalled that when he watched the 2024 Brazilian GP, he compared the radio communication of the two drivers. The IndyCar star claimed that Lando Norris seemed more like a 12-year-old when it came to his messages compared to a far more mature Max Verstappen.

I was watching the Brazilian race on Netflix, and there’s the radio communication. And then you hear Lando [Norris] on the radio, and then you hear Max, and it’s like you’re listening to a 12-year-old Lando and you’re listening to a 30-year-old veteran Max.

Arie Luyendyk told The RACER

It was the Dutch driver who emerged victorious in the race. Max Verstappen pulled off a stellar drive in wet conditions at Interlagos, one of the best in his career. So much so, that it reminded the Dutchman of his original masterclass at the same track all the way back in 2016. While Lando Norris and McLaren could only take lessons back home.

Lando Norris was in ‘state of panic’ at Brazilian GP compared to Max Verstappen

Racing in the rain is not easy, particularly in Formula 1. The water sprayed by the cars essentially blinds the drivers behind with no real visibility. This makes it far more difficult to stay on the track during slippery conditions. While the FIA now usually red-flags in such scenarios, there are times like last year in Interlagos where the race goes on.

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (via Red Bull content pool)
Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (image via Red Bull content pool)

This becomes the ultimate test for all drivers. Arie Luyendyk claimed that Max Verstappen seemed perfectly calm and composed. The reigning world champion was calculating the situation, informing the team how long he could continue on-track. On the other hand, Luyendyk mocked Lando Norris, stating that the Briton essentially seemed to be scared of dying during the race due to the weather.

So calm, so calculated. Like, ‘Yeah, I can last another five minutes in this weather.’ And Lando was saying, ‘Oh, we’re all going to die,’ or something like that.

Arie Luyendyk added

Lando Norris is undoubtedly a talented Formula 1 driver. The Briton has shown promising pace since his McLaren debut in 2019. In the past two years, the 25-year-old has grown as a driver and now has a real shot at the championship. However, there is still a lot to learn. Norris is yet to truly be on Max Verstappen’s level, as the Dutch driver knows how to deal with high pressure situations far better. Perhaps, the 2025 title fight will finally bring the McLaren star to the same level of maturity.

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