Max Verstappen recently made a remarkable debut at the Nürburgring GT3 race, showcasing his skills after earning his Permit A license. The Dutch driver not only surpassed expectations but also secured a victory in his very first race in the GT3 category, reaffirming his talent and passion within motorsport. Despite Verstappen’s notable achievements, his teammate Lando Norris questioned the difficulty of such motorsport risks, offering a controversial perspective on Verstappen’s current position and opportunities.
Lando Norris Highlights Why Verstappen Faces Fewer Challenges in Motorsport
Following Verstappen’s recent consecutive Formula 1 wins at the Italian and Azerbaijan Grands Prix, the Dutchman’s GT3 success further cemented his reputation as a dominant driver. Nevertheless, Lando Norris suggested that Verstappen’s ability to venture into multiple motorsport categories comes with less pressure compared to others. The British driver expressed respect for Verstappen’s engagement in GT3 but emphasized that Verstappen’s situation in Formula 1, given his current standing, simplifies taking such risks.
I respect Max for going and doing such a thing, He’s in a much easier position to go and do those things, if he’s fighting for a championship, and those kind of things, it probably wouldn’t look the best.
Lando Norris said, as reported by motorsport.com.
Norris elaborated that Verstappen has already secured four world championships, putting him in a position where pursuing additional F1 titles this season remains feasible but with comparatively less pressure than in Norris’s or Oscar Piastri’s cases. This relative ease, Norris believes, affords Verstappen the flexibility to compete in other racing series without detriment to his primary racing career.
He’s in a position where he’s also won four championships. He’s not miles off a championship this year, it can still be possible if Red Bull turn things around. He has a bit of an easier time than maybe what me and Oscar do at the minute, but certainly in my future, I’ll go and do it.
Lando Norris added.
The Contrast Between Norris’s and Verstappen’s Racing Ambitions
While Max Verstappen’s racing portfolio spans various motorsport disciplines and includes sim-racing, Lando Norris has primarily focused on Formula 1, with only a single notable deviation—competing once in the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2018. Norris admitted that he shares Verstappen’s enthusiasm for exploring different categories, but time constraints and current commitments have limited his ability to do so thus far. Notably, Norris mentioned that oval racing would likely remain off-limits for him, a sentiment that might even resonate with Verstappen.
I have the same want and desire as Max to go and do other things, and just go do whatever I enjoy. I think the main thing probably will never do is oval racing, it’s just not for me.
Lando Norris noted.
Current Championship Battle Adds Pressure for Both Drivers
The 2025 Formula 1 campaign has unfolded as an intense contest between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, with the latter trailing Norris by only 44 points as the season progresses. Both drivers are now focusing intently on the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix, aiming to maximize points in the final seven races. Verstappen is determined to close the gap and secure his fifth world championship, while Norris seeks to maintain his lead and capitalize on every opportunity on the track.
This ongoing rivalry amplifies the tension surrounding Verstappen’s ability to engage in motorsport activities outside F1 without compromising his championship ambitions. Norris’s comments underscore the unique position Verstappen holds, balancing risks and rewards across different racing formats while maintaining peak performance within the highly demanding environment of Formula 1.
