Days after an interview saw Formula 1 Drivers' Champion Lando Norris barred from sharing his thoughts on the 2026 regulations, George Russell, and Max Verstappen, the Brit has seemingly hit back in a new interview with The Telegraph.
Verstappen is extremely outspoken and, as a four-time World Champion, has earned the right to be allowed that sort of freedom by Red Bull. For some reason, the same doesn't always apply to Norris, who races for McLaren, an undeniably PR-conscious team (hence the Papaya Rules fiasco last year).
The Dutchman has been vocal with his criticisms of this year's changes to F1, making it clear that he's ready and willing to walk away from the sport unless something changes heading into 2027.
"Max has earned the right to go and do whatever he wants," Norris said, before expressing admiration for his outspoken nature. "He has won four world championships. He has always been very open to say what he thinks, whether you agree with him or not. He is himself, and that is a very good way to live your life."
Elaborating on how he'd feel about Verstappen potentially walking away from the sport, Norris appears to have had a change of heart following the dismissive remarks he made about his longtime friend and rival during testing earlier this year.
"It would be a shame and a miss for the sport if he walked away because he is one of the best drivers ever in Formula One," he acknowledged. "And, even though he makes it incredibly tough for all of us, it would be a shame for the drivers, too, because he is always good fun to race against, and you want to race the best in the world. He is certainly one of them."
"Hopefully, things get better. I also saw that he said he wants to win a fifth world championship, so I am sure he will stay longer than people say."
Changes have been made to the regulations after the unexpected month-long break caused by the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. How much of a difference those will make isn't clear, but F1 announced today that it has extended the first Practice session in Miami to give teams a better chance to prepare for the race.