Following the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris shared a light-hearted moment in the media pen that highlighted ongoing frustrations with Formula 1’s regulations.
The McLaren driver had been waiting for Verstappen, and the pair burst into laughter upon seeing each other.
As the reigning world champion discussed his views on necessary regulatory changes, Norris interjected with pointed sarcasm.
“Really? I never even mentioned it (batteries) this year,” Norris quipped to Viaplay.
He continued in the same mocking tone: “It was the best racing I’ve probably ever seen.”
The exchange came amid broader discussions about battery usage rules and what modifications the sport requires heading into the spring break period.
Despite the jokes, Norris struck a more serious note when asked about the spring break discussions on potential rule changes.
Following the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris shared a light-hearted moment in the media pen that highlighted ongoing frustrations with Formula 1’s regulations
|
GETTY
The British driver expressed clear frustration that competitors’ input appears to carry little weight in shaping the sport’s direction.
“There’s no point of saying it, honestly. It doesn’t matter what we say,” Norris stated.
“Because as long as the fans enjoy it, that’s all that matters.”
F1 facts fans might not know | GETTY/GBNEWS
A minor adjustment had been introduced ahead of qualifying at Suzuka, though multiple drivers had already suggested it would have minimal impact.
Verstappen, for his part, reiterated that substantial modifications remain necessary to address the current issues facing the sport.
Shifting to a more earnest assessment of the day’s results, Norris acknowledged McLaren had enjoyed a productive afternoon at Suzuka.
“That was a positive day for us as a team. It was a lot of points with Oscar second, congrats to him,” he said.
The British driver crossed the line in fifth position, having managed to pass Lewis Hamilton with just two laps remaining.
“First for me, getting Lewis for two laps to go, so it’s good points,” Norris added.
Defending champion Lando Norris has experienced a slow start to the new F1 season
|
GETTY
Crucially, the Woking-based outfit collected more points than their championship rivals Ferrari on the day.
“We outscored Ferrari, which is a little surprise and a very nice gain for us. So yeah, it was a good day,” Norris concluded.
Verstappen meanwhile reflected on what proved to be an unexpectedly competitive weekend for his Red Bull squad.
“A lot of good things, the start, the first lap, for us to get into first and third was a nice feeling. Didn’t last too long because I had Kimi (Antonelli) behind me,” he explained.
The Dutchman admitted the team’s pace had exceeded their own expectations heading into the Suzuka weekend.
“So yes, it was just some positives and a good race from us because I think we know we probably weren’t expecting to be so strong,” Verstappen said.
