Lando Norris counters Toto Wolff’s claims that Red Bull’s cars are built for Max Verstappen
Verstappen has dominated his teammate Sergio Perez at every turn this season.
Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (Credits: IMAGO)
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff remarked that Red Bull’s construction of their car revolves around Max Verstappen and surprisingly, future Red Bull prospect Lando Norris came to the team’s defense in an interview with Racing News 365.
Lando Norris claimed that it is not possible for a team to make the car to suit a certain driver’s preferences. He said that it is the driver’s job to deliver the best results with whatever car he is provided. Verstappen had also earlier refuted Wolff’s claims. Red Bull’s driver even asserted that the process just does not work the way the car is designed around a single driver.
“It’s our job to deliver no matter what the car is. Max said something very similar the other day after Toto Wolff made the comment about the Red Bull. I don’t think you can just design a car for someone. It’s very much down to the driver to drive the car they’re given.” Norris told Racing News 365.
After winning the constructors’ title at Suzuka, Red Bull is all set to add another trophy to their cabinet. Max Verstappen is aiming to take home his third WDC title in Qatar. The Dutchman will have to finish P6 or higher in the sprint race on Saturday in order to seal his victory.
Also read: Christian Horner admits ‘inconsistent rivals’ are a big factor behind Red Bull’s 2023 dominance
Andrea Stella breaks silence on Lando Norris’ future with McLaren
Lando Norris’ current contract with McLaren ends in 2025. Even though two more years remain, Norris has become the target of several F1 teams for the future, especially Red Bull. Norris has also not ruled out any possibilities of making a move in the future. Recently, McLaren boss Andrea Stella said that the team has started talks with him for an extension.
Stella said that he is providing Norris with proof, rather than promises which would convince him to stay. McLaren’s sudden rise in the standings with their mid-season upgrades has been a big supporting factor for Stella’s case. He was optimistic about the situation and said that so far, the talks with Norris have been good.
“We are certainly having conversations with Lando. They are good conversations, we are happy with how these conversations are going. I will be at discomfort, myself, having a conversation with a driver where I’m trying to persuade him to play cards that I don’t have in my hands,” said Stella.
Discover more:
- Max Verstappen claims he has ‘no emotion’ toward the prospect of securing the 2023 title in Qatar
- Mark Webber claims Adrian Newey should be ‘knighted’ for doing tremendous work for Red Bull
Soham Jain
(222 Articles Published)