McLaren Star Questions Verstappen’s Race Craft After Tense Miami GP
In the heat of Miami, where palm trees sway and engines scream, Lando Norris might’ve left with a trophy in hand, but the Brit didn’t walk away with total satisfaction. After a thrilling Sprint win on Saturday and a solid second-place finish in Sunday’s Grand Prix, the McLaren driver had more on his mind than champagne and celebration.
Post-race, Norris didn’t shy away from sharing his candid thoughts—not just about his own performance, but also about a certain three-time World Champion. Yes, Max Verstappen may be dominating headlines and statistics, but according to Norris, he’s doing so without racing with much intelligence.
“Max always fights to the end, but sometimes it’s too much. He messes things up for himself. He’s not racing smart.”
Strong words from Norris, and they didn’t come out of nowhere. The Miami Grand Prix saw a few heated on-track exchanges between the two, and while Norris managed to pull off a stunning comeback, he felt Verstappen was his own worst enemy during some key moments of the race.
A Weekend of Ups and Downs for Norris
The weekend started off on a high for the McLaren team. Lando Norris took victory in the Sprint race on Saturday—his first Sprint win of the season and a huge morale booster for the Woking-based squad. But Sunday’s main event brought different challenges.
Despite crossing the line second, Norris wasn’t entirely pleased.
“It was a tough but fun race,” he told reporters in the paddock. “But honestly, I didn’t want to let Oscar [Piastri] get that far ahead. That part stings a little.”
The Brit had to work his way through the pack early on, navigating past both Mercedes and Williams cars—along with Verstappen—during the opening stages of the race. Norris admitted that it wasn’t the easiest of starts, but credited the car’s performance for helping him charge forward.
“The start wasn’t great, but I think I climbed up quickly enough. The car was really fast today, which helped a lot. I just had to make it count.”
Trouble With Max
The most eye-catching comments, though, came when Norris was asked about his battle with Verstappen. The two have a friendly relationship off the track, often joking and showing mutual respect. But when the helmet goes on, all bets are off.
“Max always fights hard, we all know that,” Norris said. “But sometimes, it’s too much. He cost himself today.”
The context of the comment seems to refer to moments in the race when Verstappen may have been overly aggressive, defending or attacking in ways that didn’t pay off. While Norris didn’t go into every detail, the implication was clear: Verstappen could’ve played the long game and secured a better result, perhaps even a McLaren–Red Bull 1-2.
“Maybe we could’ve both finished first and second today if things were handled differently. He always fights, that’s who he is, but the outcomes can vary a lot when you take that approach.”
It’s a notable shift in tone, considering how much mutual admiration typically exists between the two. But Norris is also a competitor, and when the stakes are this high, even friendly fire can lead to frustration.
McLaren’s Pace Shines Through
Beyond the Verstappen saga, one thing is clear: McLaren is seriously in the mix now. The Miami weekend marked a turning point. Norris’s Sprint win and near-miss at the top step on Sunday proved that the papaya-colored machine has come a long way since early 2024.
Norris was full of praise for the upgrades brought to the car.
“The pace we had this weekend… it was incredible. Honestly, I felt like I could challenge anyone on track. That gives you confidence as a driver.”
That confidence nearly translated into a win in the main race as well, especially as he started closing in on his own teammate, Oscar Piastri.
The Chase to Piastri
For all of Norris’s heroics, it was Oscar Piastri who ended up stealing some of the spotlight. The young Australian drove with maturity and pace, leading a good chunk of the race and showing that he’s no longer just “the rookie” in the garage.
Norris admitted he was doing everything he could to catch up.
“I gave it everything to get to second,” he said. “There were still 25–30 laps to go when I made the push, so I had time. I left the attack for the final stint, and it almost paid off.”
The Brit managed to bring the gap down to around three or four seconds after it had previously ballooned to nearly ten. But time, as always, ran out.
“Oscar was just really solid. He’s fast. I thought I had him, but I needed a couple more laps. That’s racing.”
It’s clear there’s a healthy rivalry brewing within McLaren. Both drivers are quick, consistent, and hungry. And as long as the team can manage that energy constructively, it could be a winning formula.
Verstappen’s Defiance—A Pattern Emerging?
While Verstappen is still very much the man to beat in Formula 1, criticism like Norris’s is not without precedent. Several drivers over the years—Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and even Sergio Pérez—have at times questioned the Dutchman’s aggressive tactics.
But the difference now is that the field is catching up. Red Bull’s dominance isn’t quite as ironclad as it was in 2023, and Max may be feeling the pressure more than before.
Whether Norris’s remarks will lead to any tension between the two remains to be seen. Verstappen is famously unbothered by criticism, and his fans would argue his aggression is exactly what makes him a champion. But others might wonder if a touch more caution could’ve yielded a better result this time around.
Final Thoughts: Norris Finds His Voice
If there’s one thing to take away from this weekend, it’s that Lando Norris is no longer content with being the “next big thing.” He wants to be the big thing—now.
He’s racing hard, speaking his mind, and leading McLaren toward what could be their most competitive season in years. His comments about Verstappen weren’t just heat-of-the-moment jabs; they were statements of intent. Norris believes he belongs at the very top of Formula 1, and he’s no longer afraid to say it—or show it.
And as the season rolls on, one thing’s for sure: the fight isn’t just on the track anymore.
