BREAKING NEWS: Verstappen mocking, Norris embarrassed: the best of…F1 interviews in the…Read More
Verstappen mocking, Norris embarrassed: the best of…F1 interviews in the…Read More
Max Verstappen delivered some memorable moments in the press conference after the Dutch Grand Prix qualifying session at Zandvoort, with his mockery and humor stealing the show. Meanwhile, Lando Norris found himself the subject of an awkward question, leading to a slightly embarrassed reaction.
During Saturday’s qualifying session, McLaren’s Lando Norris secured pole position for Sunday’s race, while Verstappen, the reigning three-time world champion, finished in second. As the two drivers, alongside third-place qualifier, prepared for the post-qualifying press conference, the focus quickly turned to Verstappen’s demeanor on the radio—a topic of conversation that has gained traction after the Hungarian GP.
At the Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen had engaged in a series of heated exchanges with his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, disagreeing with the strategy calls made by Red Bull. This sparked curiosity among reporters as to whether Verstappen’s approach to his racecraft and communication with the team had shifted.
When a journalist noted that Verstappen seemed notably calmer on the radio during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend, the question was put to the Dutch driver: “You sound very calm on the radio these days. Is it because you have accepted the new situation you are in? Or is it a different approach from your side?”
In response, Verstappen decided to have some fun with the question, jokingly replying, “I have been doing a lot of yoga and meditation.” His light-hearted comment was a reminder of Verstappen’s confidence and comfort, especially at his home Grand Prix, where he is regarded as a national hero.
Verstappen’s quip also hinted at the strong position he finds himself in this season. Dominating the championship standings and racking up victories with apparent ease, the Dutch driver is undoubtedly in control of his own destiny. The humorous remark was well received by the media and added a bit of levity to an otherwise serious occasion.
However, the press conference wasn’t just about Verstappen. Lando Norris, who had just clinched his fourth pole position of the season, also faced questions from the media. While Norris has shown exceptional speed during qualifying sessions, one area where he has struggled this season is maintaining his lead after starting from pole position.
Norris’s difficulties in converting pole positions into race wins have been noticeable, with three previous attempts at pole this season resulting in him failing to keep the lead after the first lap. This track record led former driver and now interviewer, Jolyon Palmer, to raise the issue in the press conference.
Palmer, referring to Norris’s starts, asked, “The way to the first corner here is shorter than Barcelona and Budapest. Do you think you can hold on [to the lead]?”
The question seemed to strike a nerve with Norris, who tried to stifle his laughter and responded, “I don’t know why you’re asking that.” His reply, though delivered with a smile, hinted at some frustration with the focus on his struggles in the opening stages of races.
Norris’s response highlighted one of the key challenges he will face during Sunday’s race. While he has proven his ability to extract maximum performance from his McLaren in qualifying, his starts have been an area of concern. The short run to the first corner at Zandvoort could be a crucial moment for Norris as he aims to hold off Verstappen and maintain his lead at the start of the race.
The rivalry between Verstappen and Norris has been one of the highlights of the 2024 season, and Sunday’s race will add another chapter to their ongoing battle. Both drivers have shown incredible skill and tenacity on the track, and with them starting side by side on the front row, the Dutch Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling spectacle.
As the anticipation builds for the race, fans will be keen to see whether Norris can overcome his starting woes and hold off Verstappen in front of the Dutchman’s home crowd. The stage is set for an exciting showdown, with both drivers eager to claim victory at Zandvoort. The Dutch GP will start at 10 am local time, with Band’s coverage beginning at 9:30 am across Brazil.
About The Author
