Norris sets the tone in Bahrain after Verstappen’s Suzuka swipe

Lando Norris didn’t hold back as he responded to Max Verstappen’s post-Suzuka jab, setting the tone for a fiery weekend at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where all three contenders are eager to end F1’s streak of different winners in 2025.

While it may not have been the most exciting race for fans, from the cockpit of the #1 Red Bull, it was an undeniable masterclass that saw Verstappen holding off two cars with superior pace for the entire 53-lap ordeal, gaining the front-running position thanks to his flawless final run in Qualifying.

Aside from Lando Norris’ use of his MCL39 as an “expensive lawnmower”, there was no real action in the fight for victory, however, the drama shortly followed after the chequered flag when the Dutchman made his way to the media pen.

Essentially claiming that the boys in papaya weren’t maximising their machinery, Verstappen said  “you wouldn’t have seen me” had he been armed with the MCL39.

“When I came here, I didn’t expect to win here at all — and after Friday, not at all,” Verstappen said, speaking to Viaplay post-race.

“Starting on Pole was the most important thing this weekend. 

“McLaren I think was faster, but they couldn’t get into the DRS to make a move.

“I’m very happy with what I’m doing, I don’t even want to think about it if I’d been in that other car — then you wouldn’t have seen me.”

Getting under the skin of Norris and Oscar Piastri, both drivers responded to Verstappen’s claims as they spoke to the media on Thursday in Bahrain. 

“I don’t mind, he can say what he wants,” Norris said. 

“I don’t care, honestly. Everyone can say what they want and believe what they want.

“I believe both Oscar [Piastri] and myself are good drivers — he is maybe better at some things but he is not better in every area.

“I have a lot of respect for Max but I also know some things are not true, he can come and test our car any day that he wants and I’ll be excited to see the disappointment on his face after he gets out.”

Despite agreeing that the McLaren was the quickest car, Norris is still weary of Red Bull and Verstappen who have capitalised on each minor fault leaking out of the Woking-based outfit.

Heading into the Bahrain Grand Prix, a single point is all that stands between the 2024 championship rivals and the lead of the WDC, with the #81 closing in behind — however, it is still very early days.

Piastri saw the funny side of things, seeing Verstappen’s comments as nothing more than a ‘cheeky joke’.

“I think if Max had qualified third and we were first and second, it probably would have looked quite different as well,” Piastri said.

“So, I don’t think it was… yeah, I think it was light-hearted. 

“But I think qualifying made a very big difference. 

“I don’t think it’s normal to have two cars sitting two seconds behind the leader for 50 laps — it was kind of clear to see that our car was quicker. 

“But yeah, I think the gaps would have been quite different if it had been the other way around from the start as well.”

Three different race winners in the first three races of the 2025 season is an exciting prospect for fans, however, it’s a theme all three drivers are determined to bring to an end on Sunday.

But first, they’ll have to put together a clean weekend, starting with FP1 tonight at 21:30 AEST.

Image: Clive Rose/Getty Images // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool.

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