McLaren boss makes big claim, says Lando Norris can beat Max Verstappen in a 'straight fight'
McLaren boss says Lando Norris (R) can beat Max Verstappen in 'straight fight'
McLaren F1 boss Zak Brown has made a big claim ahead of the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, to be held this weekend in Italy. He believes Lando Norris, who won his first-ever F1 race in the Miami Grand Prix held early this month, would topple Red Bull superstar Max Verstappen in a 'straight fight' in upcoming times. Norris clinched a historic maiden victory in the Miami International Autodrome in Hard Rock Stadium in the first week of May, despite starting from fifth.
Thus, Norris will be in good head space entering the forthcoming race in Italy. Following the youngster's maiden F1 race win, McLaren CEO Brown has expressed his confidence in Norris' ability to challenge Verstappen. Brown believes Norris possesses the prowess to go head-to-head with the Dutchman.
I've not seen anyone faster than Lando:Zak Brown
In this regard, the CEO told Motorsport.com, "I do think Lando can beat Max in a straight fight. I think it would be an awesome fight, I think many races would end in tears – for one or the other, or both. But I think as far as raw talent can be, I've not seen someone faster than Lando."
Brown stressed that the Miami win would keep Norris in good stead and take him to greater heights in the near future. "For sure. There's something about when drivers get their first win. I remember from when I got my first win, now you know you've done it [the first win] just relaxes drivers and they don't have to try as hard. In anything, you can try too hard and that kind of works against you," he further opined.
Also read: Max Verstappen's dad might be the reason if at all he decides to leave Red Bull: Ex-driver
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
IPL 2026: 5 players who could be released after disappointing campaigns
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Do dark-coloured cars burn more fuel for AC in summer?
)
'Why should we pick a fight...': Netanyahu calls off massive Iran strike after Trump's warning call
)
Watch: Trump booed in New York as he attends NBA finals at Madison Square Garden
)
Scientists discover vast geological structure hidden beneath Antarctica's ice
)
Video: Major Accident at Vishakhapatnam Steel Plant after molten iron spills, 10 feared dead
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why fighter jets are so loud compared to normal planes
)
Israeli strikes made Iran stop attacks, fight against Tehran, Hezbollah ‘not over’: Netanyahu
)
6 Indians killed in Dubai after mini bus hits stationary truck
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Portugal’s probable XI for FIFA World Cup 2026
)
US Army helicopter crashes near Strait of Hormuz, Trump says 'pilots are...' - VIDEO
)
State of emergency declared in New Zealand's Wellington as 11-meter waves force hundreds to evacuate
)
Iran hit by 4.9 magnitude earthquake: What's the REAL reason?
)
Japanese researchers turn discarded udon noodles into biodegradable paper: How it works
)
Plane crashes in Dominican Republic, explodes into massive fireball - VIDEO
)
Meta AI could wipe out entire Instagram to ZERO users in coming months! Here's why
)
Federal judge rules Trump’s $100,000 fee for H-1B visas unlawful, strikes it down
)
Who Is Kevin Kunta? Meet Ram Charan’s bodyguard, MMA fighter, who reportedly charges Rs 2–3 lakh per day
)
India A Tri-Series in Sri Lanka 2026: Full schedule, venues, squads, timings & live-streaming details
)
FIFA World Cup 2026: Complete schedule, fixtures, venues, live streaming details & more
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russia and the US design their fighter jet missiles so differently
)
Old praise, new problems: Cockroach Janta Party spokesperson Saurav Das's 9-year-old tweet faces scrutiny
)
CID exposes Rs 2,400-crore ponzi scheme in Karnataka; Over 40,00 investors affected in fraud case
)
Indian mangoes make inroads into the US market with Seattle event
)
Bear on the loose in Japanese city forces closure of nearly 100 schools
)
‘Have some spine’: Mahua Moitra targets Yusuf Pathan, says TMC mandate ‘was NOT for NDA’ amid defection buzz
)
Iran's World Cup team wore '168' lapel pins in Mexico: What this means and could FIFA ban them?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the AIM-9 is a legendary fighter jet missile
)
'Bibi, you will be on your own': Trump's stern warning to Netanyahu against renewed Iran conflict
)
Who is Abhilasha Barak? India's first woman combat helicopter pilot wins UN Military Gender Advocate Award
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 players with most runs in Women's World Cup history
Meanwhile, Norris himself sounded optimistic about McLaren's prospects for the remainder of the season with a win in Miami. Talking to SkySports at the McLaren Technology Center in Woking, the 24-year-old opined that McLaren have it in them to challenge Red Bulland Ferrari for more race wins this year.
Norris said, "Absolutely, we can win more races this year. I think we can compete against Red Bull. I think we're looking at an exciting season between us, Red Bull and Ferrari. " He added, "I think we still have work to do and we're not at the level that they are just yet."