Lando Norris and Max Verstappen at Parc Ferme during the Singapore Grand Prix - Photo: Race Pictures

Norris warned to 'better watch out' against Verstappen 'next time'

21:54, 12 Oct

byTobia Elia

Dutch pundit Robert Doornbos has analysed the critical qualifying episode in Singapore involving Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.

"Max felt straight away, he saw the papaya car and he said, ‘Okay, this is Lando. He basically did this on purpose and I will remember it.'

- Robert Doornbos

Speaking on The Pit Talk podcast, the former Red Bull driver analysed the incident as follows: "They are good friends and they tend to separate it well. I don't think they flew back on the same plane now from Singapore, but still, in Monaco they see each other and they keep private and business separated.

"If you look at the business side, what Lando did on Saturday, driving slow after he finished his qualifying run — Max was the last one to pass the chequered flag to finish his quali effort in Q3. Then, to have Lando in front of you two seconds, it's all about dirty air.

Doornbos believes that although Norris was at a fair distance from Verstappen’s RB21, the dirty air was still enough to disrupt the Dutchman’s lap.

Lando Norris celebrates hi sP3 in Singapore. Photo: RacePictures

"If you have the dirty air behind another car, you feel it. And you have less downforce, which means you're going to lock the brake. And in qualifying, it's all about the last few tenths here, a few hundredths maybe.

Finally, he added: "Max felt straight away, he saw the papaya car and he said, ‘Okay, this is Lando. He basically did this on purpose and I will remember it.' He said, ‘Noted and remembered,’ which means next time Lando’s out qualifying, you better watch out."

Why Norris risks becoming Verstappen's target in the title fight

Verstappen may still be chasing both McLaren drivers in the standings, but the momentum could shift fast.

Should Red Bull rediscover its early-season form while McLaren stumbles again, the papaya squad could soon face an uncomfortable reality: choosing one driver to lead its title charge.

If that moment comes, the scales would likely tip toward Piastri — forcing Norris into a secondary role he never signed up for. What once looked like an even fight between teammates could quickly turn into a battle of priorities within the team.

GPblog’s Latest F1 Paddock Update

Want to stay on top of everything happening in the Formula 1 paddock? Then GPblog’s F1 Paddock Update video is just what you need. Subscribe to GPblog’s YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.