Formula 1 has once again become the target of criticism after the Japanese GP, with Lando Norris questioning the way decisions are made in the category. The McLaren driver stated that drivers’ opinions carry no weight, following a conversation with Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing.
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This statement came after the race in Suzuka, where Norris finished in fifth position, while his teammate, Oscar Piastri, secured second place. The Briton highlighted the team’s positive result but did not hide his frustration with the current state of the category.
After the race, Norris was waiting for Verstappen in the media pen and both exchanged a few words in a humorous tone. During the conversation, the Dutchman commented on possible necessary changes to the regulations, when Norris replied ironically: “Really? I never mentioned that, the batteries, this year.” Then, still in a sarcastic tone, he added: “It was probably the best race I’ve ever seen.”
After the joke, Norris adopted a more serious tone when analyzing McLaren’s performance in Japan: “It was a positive day for us as a team. There were many points with Oscar in second, congratulations to him,” he stated. The Briton also highlighted his own race: “For me, overtaking Lewis (Hamilton of Ferrari) with two laps to go was important, so they were good points.”
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The British driver also highlighted the team’s collective performance throughout the weekend: “We outperformed Ferrari, which was a bit of a surprise and a very good gain for us. So, yes, it was a good day,” he said, showing satisfaction with the overall result.
Like Verstappen, Norris was also asked about the break in the calendar in April, a period in which the category will discuss possible changes to the regulations with the FIA. However, the Briton showed skepticism about the drivers’ influence in this process: “There’s no point in talking, honestly. It doesn’t matter what we say,” he added.
Norris further completed his analysis with a direct view on the current scenario: “Because as long as the fans are enjoying it, that’s all that matters,” concluded the current Formula 1 champion.
