Abu Dhabi GP: Lando Norris claims Max Verstappen isn't intimidating to rivals

McLaren's Lando Norris has publicly dismissed the notion that fellow drivers are intimidated by Max Verstappen, Red Bull's four-time world champion. The remark followed allegations by Mercedes' George Russell regarding Verstappen's conduct, calling it bullying and threatening, an issue that first arose in Qatar and persisted in Abu Dhabi.

Norris, who has been Verstappen's main contender for the title this season, addressed his own clashes with the champion but firmly refuted any suggestion of fear within the paddock. He remarked, "I don't think people are scared of Max at all." Norris acknowledged Verstappen's formidable talent on the track, saying, "Are people afraid of what probably he's capable of at times, from a speed perspective? Do you go into some sessions and go 'S--t, Max is feeling good this weekend, he's been good at practice, he's going to be mega?' 100%."

Drawing a parallel to other sports, Norris pointed out the natural apprehension competitors feel when facing an opponent in peak form. He explained, "When people are in good form and they're performing well, you're a little bit afraid of what someone's capable of going out and doing from a performance point of view. No one's scared. It just puts you on the limit."

Amidst the battle for the constructors' title, which McLaren is close to clinching for the first time since 1998, Norris opened up about the strategic approach drivers sometimes have to adopt. Verstappen has comfortably led the championship throughout the season, leaving Norris to cut down the Dutchman's lead while balancing team interests, knowing that any slip-up could inadvertently aid his Red Bull adversary.

With Verstappen free of any team-related pressure, Norris commented, "Sometimes people can't risk giving Max the fight that he needs. Same with me this year," elucidating the added complexity when balancing individual and team goals.

Norris, however, looks forward to the next season with optimism, hoping for a stronger start that would change the dynamic of the championship battle.

Regarding the ongoing dispute between Russell and Verstappen, Norris believed the emotions were genuine, conveying that both drivers ardently advocate for their positions. When pressed on whether Verstappen was the type of competitor who would threaten another driver's safety, as Russell had insinuated, Norris took a moment before simply responding, "No."

Norris further contextualized the situation, highlighting the high stakes and intense dedication within the sport. "We're passionate about what we do, so we put everything into it, just as a lot of our team do. You're going to feel let down at times, ... it's just two drivers who want to win, that's the moral of the whole story really."

He concluded by teasing that the dramatic exchanges between drivers and team principals—like Mercedes' Toto Wolff and Red Bull's Christian Horner—would likely feature in the upcoming season of Netflix's "Drive to Survive," insinuating that the heightened drama was somewhat amplified for the show's audience. "That's all for Netflix," he said with a knowing grin. "It's obvious. They love Netflix, all team managers love Netflix."

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