Norris reflects on past comments about Verstappen and Hamilton, calls for mutual respect among champions
Newly crowned Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris admits he regrets some of his past comments about Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, particularly those that focused on their cars' performance rather than their driving achievements. He advocates for greater respect among champions.
Fresh from clinching his first Formula 1 World Championship, Lando Norris has expressed regret over past comments he made about rivals Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, acknowledging that he sometimes said "stupid things" in the heat of the moment. The McLaren driver now calls for a greater focus on mutual respect among champions, moving beyond debates about who had the fastest car.
Why it matters:
Norris's introspection highlights the intense psychological pressure and public scrutiny drivers face, especially when battling for a title. His shift in perspective from a challenger questioning car advantages to a champion seeking respect underscores a common maturation point for elite athletes. It also reflects the ongoing, often contentious, debate in F1 about separating a driver's skill from their machinery's performance.
The details:
- Norris secured the 2025 title in Abu Dhabi by a narrow two-point margin over Verstappen.
- He has previously commented that Verstappen "dominated" when he had the quickest car and retorted to Hamilton that the seven-time champion had "a fast car seven years ago."
- During the season, Verstappen suggested he would have already won the title if driving the McLaren, a claim Norris dismissed as "nonsense" typical of Red Bull's "aggressive nature."
- In reflection, Norris states he tries to be genuine and speak the truth, even if it means admitting when he or his team might be outperformed.
The big picture:
The car-versus-driver debate is a perennial feature of F1, often intensifying during close championship fights. Norris's journey from an outspoken contender to a reflective champion mirrors a narrative seen with other first-time title winners. His desire for respect aligns with the sport's history, where achieving the ultimate success often brings a new appreciation for the accomplishments of peers and predecessors.
What's next:
With the championship secured, Norris's focus will shift to defending his title in 2026. His public reflections suggest a driver who is not only fast but also growing into the diplomatic and leadership roles often expected of a world champion. How he manages his rivalry with Verstappen and his public persona moving forward will be a key subplot in the coming season.