Norris backs himself to beat Verstappen if McLaren sign four-time champion

Lando Norris has declared he is confident of beating any driver in equal machinery — including four-time world champion Max Verstappen — after reports of informal talks between McLaren and Verstappen’s camp surfaced during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend.

Speaking at Thursday’s press conference ahead of the British Grand Prix, Norris was pressed on whether he could match Verstappen in the same car. “I do believe I can… but I think we have to just word it carefully,” he said with a smile. “I do believe I can beat any driver.”

Norris was quick to frame his confidence alongside genuine respect for the Red Bull driver. “I think what makes Max so incredible is how he is over the course of the season, every single weekend, performing to the level that he does — that’s impressive,” the reigning world champion said.

McLaren have not denied the reports of informal contact with Verstappen’s side, though figures within the team have been careful to stress that such conversations are routine in the paddock. “Everyone in the paddock talks to everyone,” was the team’s broadly stated position.

Norris himself played down the immediacy of any potential change, while making clear he would not shy away from the challenge. “If there’s an opportunity for me to drive with other people, it’s something I’ve always looked forward to. But it’s not a thing for now, it’s not a serious thing.”

He also pushed back on the idea that Verstappen is the only driver eyeing a move to Woking. “To be honest, a lot of drivers want to come to McLaren. I don’t know why you just highlight Max. There are quite a few others that I know that want to come as well,” Norris said. “It’s a good thing that a four-time world champion wants to potentially join the team. I don’t know how much of it’s true, but it’s a cool thing.”

For now, Norris stressed that his partnership with Oscar Piastri remains the team’s priority. “Me and Oscar are working very well together and we’re excited to work together for more years too. So that’s our focus for now,” he said, adding that he expects to remain at McLaren for “many, many more years”.