Max Verstappen has addressed assertions made by Lando Norris that no top driver would desire to be the Dutchman’s teammate.
The Red Bull star has clinched the last three consecutive World Drivers’ Championships and is the clear frontrunner heading into this year’s F1 season.
Verstappen is widely acclaimed as the premier driver globally at present, and it is widely anticipated that he will secure his fourth consecutive World Championship this season.
The 26-year-old seems invincible in the realm of F1, leading to suggestions that Verstappen wouldn’t be an ideal teammate to compete alongside.
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“I think if I reflect on myself four years ago compared to now, I am a bit more composed, a bit more seasoned,” Verstappen relayed to Sky Sports.
“In certain scenarios, that could certainly make a difference, perhaps winning a championship aids as well.
“But it would be rather intriguing, I reckon, to have my former self from four years ago paired with my current self.
“I’m not daunted by a challenge, and I find it gratifying to compete against the best in the world. Nonetheless, I am unsure of the dynamics within his [Norris’] team.
“I am 26 years old, so hopefully, I haven’t reached my peak yet.
You continue to learn constantly, and even at the age of 40, you’re still evolving in the sport; it’s perpetual.
“From the team’s perspective, I perceive the drive and it’s insatiable.
“We aspire to persistently strive for victory; we aim to keep securing championships. Only time will reveal if our efforts have been sufficient.”
This follows Norris hinting that he would not desire to be Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull due to the team consistently tailoring plans around the Dutch driver.
In conversation with Sky Sports, the 24-year-old remarked: “It’s a more nuanced discussion than that.
Is Max Verstappen the finest driver in Formula One history? Undoubtedly yes, I believe he has demonstrated that conclusively.
“He is entrenched in a team that he is exceedingly comfortable in.
The entire structure is centred around him. For anyone – even the Max of a few years ago – to challenge the current Max, it’s exceedingly arduous.
“I don’t believe it’s a matter of, ‘Are you intimidated [to compete alongside Verstappen]?’ I don’t think I will ever be intimidated by facing anyone.
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Even if you are within a team, are you in a position to immediately contest someone? Are you at ease with that? I believe it’s a negative for any driver.”
Norris secured sixth place in the Drivers’ Championship standings last season, amassing 205 points across 22 races.
While he didn’t clinch victory in a race outright, the British driver achieved an impressive seven podium finishes throughout the season, establishing himself as one of the foremost racers on the grid presently.