Max Verstappen Takes a Sly Dig at Lando Norris’ Surprise P3 Before Correcting Himself

Max Verstappen delivered yet another dominant performance as he qualified on pole at the Spanish Grand Prix with an emphatic lap time. Following his dominant performance, he expressed how he always expected to be in this position. However, he had not expected the same of McLaren’s Lando Norris.

While his comments initially seemed like a dig at the Briton, Verstappen corrected himself after. “I’m where I expected to be going into this weekend,” explained Verstappen. “I mean to be honest, I also expected Carlos to be there. I just did not expect Lando to be there, but that is a good surprise. Well, sorry! I did not expect McLaren to be up there“.

Verstappen then ended his remarks by stating that he always expects Norris to be high. The Dutchman’s remark shows that he incredibly respects the young Briton, who admired the Red Bull driver during his younger days.

“He is my best friend“: Max Verstappen on Lando Norris

While speaking in an interview with the Daily Mail earlier this year, Max Verstappen referred to Lando Norris as his best mate on the F1 grid. The Dutchman revealed that he gets along well with Norris because the Briton is “just himself and normal.”

Verstappen also went to the extent of stating that he always knew that Norris would become a successful F1 driver. The Red Bull driver said that while he never competed with Norris during his karting days, as the two were in different categories, he could see signs of an incredible driver in the young Briton.

“Good performances were not just one-offs or hit-and-miss; he was always at the front. So it was clear that he was always going to be here,” explained Verstappen. Norris, currently in his fifth year in F1, has already shown incredible potential despite just being 23.

After taking two seasons to settle with McLaren, Norris had a brilliant campaign in both 2021 and 2022. In both these seasons, he not only finished in the top seven of the championship but also defeated more experienced teammate Daniel Ricciardo.

“Top 10“: Norris jokes about his expectations for the Spanish GP

After qualifying an outstanding third on the grid, Lando Norris joked about him only expecting to finish in the top 10 for the Spanish Grand Prix. When asked what his target was for the race, the Briton replied, “Hold on for dear life.” When asked if he meant to hold onto P3, Norris hilariously said, “Top 10.”

It is pertinent to note that this weekend has been the most successful for McLaren this year. The British outfit has struggled to get into Q3 this year. But in Spain, both drivers looked like they could challenge for a top-three spot. Unfortunately, Oscar Piastri driving the other McLaren could only qualify ninth.