Verstappen Responds To Norris's Reason For Not Joining Red Bull

Tuesday, 20 February 2024 at 19:45

Max Verstappen responded to the reason that Lando Norris gave for prolonging their contract with McLaren rather than joining the Dutchman in Red Bull.

One of the unexpected news at the beginning of the year 2024 was the announcement of Lando Norris's contract extension with McLaren.

The 24-year-old still had two more seasons until his previous contract expired. Even though other teams like Ferrari, Mercedes, or Red Bull might potentially be interested in him, he decided to commit to McLaren for the future.

Many were confused as to why the British driver made such a decision. When asked why he wouldn't go to Red Bull, he said it wouldn't be smart to join such a driver like Verstappen in a team he is already comfortable with.

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When approached with what Norris said, the triple World Champion said at the recent launch of Red Bull's 2024 challenger RB20:

"If I look back at myself four years ago, compared to now, you are a bit more calm and experienced."

Verstappen certainly has amassed an incredible amount of experience over his years at Red Bull, and his flawless 2023 season is only proof of that. However, he suggested he, as a younger version of himself, wouldn't be afraid to go up against the 26-year-old Verstappen.

"And that in some scenarios can make a difference, probably winning a championship helps as well, but it would be quite exciting to have my four year younger self to team up against my current one. I am not afraid of a challenge, it's cool to race the best in the world."

On the other hand, Norris also had to believe in the abilities of Mclaren to make such a long-term commitment to the team. Verstappen suggested that might play a role in his decision-making process.

"But from his [Lando's] side, I don't know what's going on in the team there. And when you feel really happy and confident with the people you are with, and they've [McLaren] been on a positive trajectory, you also think to yourself: 'Maybe I don't need to leave and I can make this a success."