Lando Norris has defended Red Bull, claiming that the RB19 was not designed to suit Max Verstappen, as has been stated by some senior individuals.
Verstappen has been completely dominant this season and is on the verge of capturing his third consecutive Drivers’ Championship, which he can clinch in the Qatar Grand Prix sprint race.
With 13 wins from 16 races this year, it’s clear to see why he’s in such a commanding position with six races remaining.
Nobody has been able to consistently compete with the reigning World Champion, not even his team-mate, Sergio Perez.
Despite sharing the same chassis, Perez has frequently struggled, even in races where Verstappen has displayed unrivaled speed.
Red Bull undoubtedly had the most incredible package this season, but Perez has frequently failed to deliver at the same level as the Dutchman.
As a result, rumours have surfaced that Red Bull designed the car to suit Verstappen’s driving style, with Mercedes chief Toto Wolff previously stating that the 26-year-old “tends to destroy his team-mates because the car is designed around him.”
Even Perez’s father urged on Red Bull prioritizing Verstappen after the last Japanese Grand Prix, which the two-time World Champion won for the 13th time this year.
Norris has reiterated that any claims that Red Bull designed the RB19 for Verstappen are false, claiming that an F1 team does not work “like that.”
“It’s not up to the team to just design a car for someone,” Norris exclusively told RacingNews365.com.
“Perhaps that is a perfect world. It is our responsibility to deliver regardless of the vehicle.
“Max said something pretty similar the other day after Toto made the Red Bull comment. I don’t believe you can simply design a car for someone.
“It just doesn’t work that way.” It is entirely up to the driver to operate the vehicle.
“I believe that if I end up being slower than my teammates for whatever reason, I’m not doing a good enough job.”
Instead, Norris believes that it is up to the driver to make the most of whatever package they are given, which Verstappen has constantly done.
Perez has rarely used the RB19’s full potential, contradicting Norris’ idea that F1 drivers are paid to “make the best of every circumstance.”
“For me, the most important thing is to make a quick car,” Norris stated.
“I think what people on the outside don’t realize is that a driver’s job is to drive whatever car they are given as quickly as possible.”
“You want the car to be nice to you and to suit you.” However, drivers are compensated well enough to make the best of any situation.
“Whether it’s a car they like or dislike, it’s tricky, safe, or whatever.” It is our responsibility to go and simply drive what the team gives us.
“You can have a quick car and a great car to drive, but in the end, I’d rather drive a difficult car that’s quick than a nice car that’s slow.”
“And I believe we all understand that our primary goal is to build a fast car.” If it’s challenging, we can work on making it a more enjoyable automobile to drive.
“But, at the end of the day, I care what car I drive because I’d like to drive a nice car.” But I’d take a faster car over an easy car every time. Because I believe that is our responsibility.”
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