“No Offense to Max,” Lando Norris Takes Subtle Dig at Max Verstappen After Dutch GP Qualifying

Lando Norris subtly mocked Max Verstappen and Red Bull's struggles at Zandvoort last year to a question over winning the Dutch GP on Sunday.

“No Offense to Max,” Lando Norris Takes Subtle Dig at Max Verstappen After Dutch GP Qualifying

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (images via IMAGO)

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McLaren seem to have the advantage at the Dutch GP this weekend. Championship leader Oscar Piastri clinched pole position from Lando Norris by less than a tenth of a second. However, Norris is no slouch, having won the race last year. The Briton managed to take a dig at Max Verstappen while commenting on his chances this time around for the race on Sunday.

In 2024, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris were engaged in the title fight with the McLaren seemingly having the pace advantage. At the Dutch GP, Norris ruined a perfect day for the Orange Army as he overtook Verstappen for the race lead and went on to win the race.

After Qualifying, Norris was asked if he could replicate the move for this year’s race. The British driver decided to subtly joke about Max Verstappen and Red Bull. He made it clear that while he did not mean to offend Verstappen, Red Bull simply had a far slower car last year. This made it quite easy for Lando Norris to get past the local hero for the win. The 25-year-old highlighted that Oscar Piastri is in the same car as him. Thus, it would be more challenging to overtake the pole sitter.

I mean, you know.. No offense to Max, he was in a much slower car last year.. so that helped a lot, Oscar is in a much quicker car this year.

Lando Norris said post-qualifying

Lando Norris needs something ‘incredible’ to defeat Oscar Piastri at Dutch GP

Oscar Piastri has had the upper hand on Lando Norris since the start of the season. The Australian driver has impressed the entire grid with his ability to outperform his more experienced teammate. This has even raised questions over Norris’ form as he seemingly is losing his grip at McLaren. Nevertheless, the two drivers are expected to have a tough battle in the main race.

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris (via PA Images)
Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris (via PA Images)

In the same conversation, Lando Norris confessed that he might need an incredible strategy from the McLaren pitwall to defeat his teammate on Sunday. The British driver hinted that he could take an alternative strategy by saving his tires over the course of the race. Usually, the driver with track position is given priority when it comes to the optimal race plan. Thus, a different strategy could pay off for Norris in case of a Safety Car in the middle of the race.

It’s going to take some good strategy or incredible tire saving [to defeat Oscar Piastri]

Lando Norris added

Lando Norris is not going to give up on Sunday. The 25-year-old had a few decent results before the summer break. Norris might have started the season on the backfoot, yet he has narrowed down the gap to Oscar Piastri. The Dutch GP will be critical for the British driver as he tries to reaffirm his position at McLaren and in the title fight. Though, when it comes to the main race, Piastri remains the favorite for now.

Read More: Max Verstappen ‘Very Happy’ Despite Tricky Qualifying Challenge at Dutch GP