Laurence EdmondsonNov 29, 2025, 10:36 AM ETClose• Joined ESPN in 2009 • An FIA accredited F1 journalist since 2011
Drivers react to Oscar Piastri claiming sprint race qualifying pole at Qatar GP (1:33)Check out how the drivers reacted to Oscar Piastri claiming the sprint race qualifying pole at the Qatar Grand Prix. (1:33)
In an interview ahead of this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix, Verstappen said he would have “easily” won this year’s title by now if his car had been as competitive as Norris’ McLaren.
Verstappen’s title chances hang by a thread after he dropped to 25 points behind Norris following a fourth-place finish in Saturday’s sprint race in Qatar.
If Norris beats Verstappen in Sunday’s grand prix — the penultimate race of the season — Verstappen will be mathematically ruled out of contention.
“Max is very welcome to say everything he wants, to be honest,” Norris said. “He kind of earned the right.
“He’s won four world championships. I have a lot of respect, and I think that gives anyone a lot of credit in general.
Although Verstappen finished one place behind Norris in the sprint, the McLaren driver said he barely noticed the Red Bull and was only focused on the cars in front.
“I never saw him, actually,” Norris said of Verstappen. “I just saw what was ahead, I tried to go forward.
“We got pretty close at the start, but it was good. No, I didn’t see what happened behind, it was a long stint with a lot of pushing.
Drivers react to Oscar Piastri claiming sprint race qualifying pole at Qatar GP (1:33)Check out how the drivers reacted to Oscar Piastri claiming the sprint race qualifying pole at the Qatar Grand Prix. (1:33)
Check out how the drivers reacted to Oscar Piastri claiming the sprint race qualifying pole at the Qatar Grand Prix. (1:33)
“He’s achieved an incredible amount, more than anyone generally dreams of achieving.
“Maybe he would have done [won the title in a McLaren], but he hasn’t so far.”
Close• Joined ESPN in 2009 • An FIA accredited F1 journalist since 2011