“It’s Useless Anyway”: Lando Norris Takes Brutal Dig at McLaren’s $85,000 Weapon as Banter With Max Verstappen Goes Overboard

After the Hungarian GP edition of Max Verstappen’s podcast in the cool-down room, the reigning champion, second-placed Lando Norris, and Sergio Perez headed to the post-race press conference after their podium celebrations—where Lando accidentally broke Max’s trophy. Over the past few weeks, the Formula 1 world has witnessed Verstappen and Norris in their element off-track, engaging in playful banter. And it continued during the press conference, especially considering Lando’s shenanigans on the podium. And while that was a major topic of conversation (read: banter), Verstappen was more interested in discussing McLaren’s pace, which Lando added to with, you guessed it, banter.

Norris was asked if he thought McLaren was the second-fastest car on the grid in Hungary. While explaining what a close battle it was with Mercedes, Verstappen chipped in and talked about how fast the MCL60 was in fast corners, especially Turn 4 and 11. He added, “I think, in Turn 11, if I were to drive that car, I couldn’t hold my neck straight. So fast.” Considering the Belgian GP at Spa next weekend—which has its fair share of fast corners—Verstappen mentioned the fans who come to watch the race should stand at Pouhon (Turns 10 and 11), an extremely fast left-hander, because “Lando will fly.”

As quoted by formulapassion.it, Lando replied in his typical banter mode, “Yes of course, driving one-handed and blindfolded.” [Translated by Google] Max continued the banter and added, “Yes, and even without the rear wing,” to which Lando responded, “Of course, it’s useless anyway.” The rear wing, which costs around $85,000, is not useless, as a matter of fact. It’s one of the most essential parts of an F1 car, used to generate downforce, which helps keep the car grounded and improves its speed and grip. So contrary to what Norris said, an F1 car would essentially not be an F1 car without the rear wing. More importantly, the MCL60 would not be the beast it is in fast corners without it.

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Lando and McLaren maximized their performance in Hungary, and they’ll already be looking forward to Spa next weekend (hopefully not considering Max’s suggestion), a track that has suited them in the past. While Norris was pleased with his P2 on Sunday, he believes there’s only one way he could win a race this season.

Does Lando Norris not like Max Verstappen?

It’s become a well-known fact around the paddock that Lando Norris and Max Verstappen are very good friends and have mutual respect. But is there a chance the young Brit might not want what’s best for Verstappen? That seemed like the case during the post-race interview when Norris was asked if he thought McLaren could win a race in 2023. He said, “Unless Max retires [a win isn’t possible], but those guys are quick. We will take it for now, and our time will come later in the year.”

Lando obviously meant it in a breezy way, and Max knew too. The truth is, everyone knows Red Bull and Max Verstappen have become an unbeatable duo this season. So, technically writing, the only way anyone could win a race against them is if, as Norris said, he retires from a race. 

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