Doornbos Warns Norris: 'Better Watch Out' Against Verstappen 'Next Time'

Dutch pundit Robert Doornbos has dissected a critical qualifying incident in Singapore involving Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, suggesting Verstappen took Norris's actions personally and will remember them. This adds a layer of tension to their on-track rivalry, particularly as the championship battle intensifies.

Why it matters:

The F1 grid is notoriously competitive, and perceived slights or tactical moves during qualifying can have lasting repercussions. With Norris and Verstappen being friends off-track but fierce rivals on it, this incident highlights the fine line between personal relationships and professional competition. Verstappen's 'noted and remembered' comment suggests a potential escalation in how they race each other, which could significantly impact future qualifying sessions and even race outcomes.

The Details:

• The Incident: During Q3 in Singapore, Lando Norris allegedly drove slowly after completing his qualifying run, impacting Max Verstappen's final flying lap. Verstappen was the last car to cross the checkered flag to finish his Q3 effort.
• Doornbos's Analysis: Robert Doornbos, a former Red Bull driver, explained on The Pit Talk podcast that despite Norris being at a fair distance, the 'dirty air' created by his car was enough to disrupt Verstappen's lap. He emphasized that in qualifying, 'it's all about the last few tenths here, a few hundredths maybe,' and dirty air can cause a loss of downforce and brake locking.
• Verstappen's Reaction: Doornbos stated, '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 further quoted Verstappen as saying, 'Noted and remembered,' implying future retaliation.
• Rivalry Dynamics: While Norris and Verstappen are known to be good friends, Doornbos suggests they 'keep private and business separated.' This incident, however, seems to have blurred that line, at least from Verstappen's perspective.

The Big Picture:

This event is more than just a minor qualifying skirmish; it's a peek into the psychological warfare inherent in top-tier motorsport. Drivers constantly push boundaries, and how these actions are perceived and responded to can define rivalries for an entire season or more. Verstappen's strong reaction indicates a heightened sensitivity to any perceived obstruction, especially as the championship chase remains tight. The implication is that Norris might find himself a specific target in future qualifying sessions if Verstappen acts on his 'noted and remembered' warning.

What's Next:

The repercussions of this incident could manifest in upcoming races. If Verstappen holds a grudge, Norris might face a more aggressive or retaliatory approach from the Red Bull driver in future qualifying or race scenarios. This could add an extra layer of intrigue and tension to their on-track battles, potentially altering the dynamics of key moments in the championship.