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Verstappen spoke the truth, Norris and Leclerc secretly admitted it too
Max Verstappen's self-confidence shines through when he states after the Las Vegas Grand Prix that he would have become champion much earlier in a McLaren or Ferrari. Of course, the drivers in those cars do not prove him right, but their answers show respect for the four-time world champion.
After some beer and gin-tonic, Verstappen arrived in Las Vegas last for a session with the Dutch media. Those few drinks produced some amusing statements from the Dutchman, including saying that he would have long since become world champion in a McLaren or Ferrari. In Qatar, Verstappen's rivals were confronted with this.
Charles Leclerc was first at the press conference. The Monegasque could not hold back his laughter: "Max is a very special driver, and I think what makes him special is the confidence that he has (in himself)," stated the Ferrari driver, who did not become world champion in that car.
"I think it's very difficult to say something like that not knowing actually what the car is like. So, he's an incredible driver, no doubt, whether he will have made it or not, I don’t know how the Red Bull is, I don’t know how the Mclaren is and he doesn't know how the Ferrari is, so it's maybe a bit of a stretch to say something like that."
Leclerc and Norris face Verstappen
Of course, as a driver, Leclerc will never admit that another driver in his car would have become world champion. After all, that would be shooting himself in the foot. Yet his words do show appreciation. Leclerc has been racing Verstappen almost all his life, so he knows what to expect from him on and off the track.
Lando Norris was also confronted by Verstappen's statements: ''He should start doing comedy or something. He can say whatever he wants. Of course, I completely disagree, as I would. He is good, but it is not true,'' Norris stated somewhat more viciously. The McLaren driver has been told all year that he had a better car than Max and therefore ultimately failed to win the title. Verstappen's statement perhaps confirms Norris' own perception.
Indeed, in later statements, Norris' admiration for Verstappen also resurfaces. For instance, Verstappen is said to have a tougher time at Red Bull Racing because he does not have a teammate who performs at an equal level. As a result, Verstappen has to do a lot himself in the team and does not experience pressure from a teammate.
In a sober state, Verstappen still stood by his words: "No one needs to respond. I know perfectly well for myself what I can and cannot do. We don't need to talk about that. We don't need to spend time trying to slack people off or whatever. [The] championship is done. We try again next year."
Somewhat restrained so it seemed now from Verstappen, perhaps also realising how his comments would have come across to Norris and Leclerc. Yet everyone, including Norris and Leclerc, knows Verstappen was right. They will never admit it, but Norris and Leclerc know full well that the few beers and gin-tonics did not make for wild statements, but for truth.
This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy
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