F1 News
Norris says anyone who doubts his rival is 'stupid'
The weekend so far has proven challenging for Max Verstappen and his team Red Bull. It was evident across free practice that the car was struggling with the track, and the Dutchman could be frequently heard on the radio sharing his frustrations. Nevertheless, Verstappen was able to secure pole position for Sunday's Grand Prix. Lando Norris, who will start second, said he never doubted that Verstappen would be able to turn things around in time for qualifying.
For Norris, he will be looking to secure his second win, after securing his first at the Miami Grand Prix. Sharing whether he believes there could be a repeat of Miami, he said: "Definitely, it's almost impossible to overtake here, especially when the gaps are so small. You always try to take advantage of other people's mistakes and struggles, as bad as it sounds."
'They're a bit stupid'
Despite Red Bull's struggles, Norris never doubted Verstappen, and believed he would come back and perform well: "I know Max hasn't had the smoothest weekend, but if anyone doubted Red Bull or him coming back and doing a good job at qualifying, they're a bit stupid."
"I really expected him to be back on track, and annoying to miss out to him once again in qualifying, because we're close and we're happy as a team with how we've all performed."
The three-time world champion's teammate, Sergio Perez, will start 11th in Sunday's Grand Prix, whilst Norris' teammate, Oscar Piastri, will start fifth after qualifying second but being given a three-grid place penalty for causing an infringement. Nevertheless, Norris is confident that the potential is there for him to win again: "If we can continue and have a strong race pace like we had yesterday, and like we had in Miami, then I think we can all look forward to a good race. "