Lando Norris has stirred controversy following the Las Vegas Grand Prix, claiming that Max Verstappen’s win was “undeserved” and suggesting the FIA showed favoritism toward Red Bull. The McLaren driver, who finished sixth, did not hold back when addressing what he felt were unfair conditions that hindered his performance and favored his rival.
“The FIA has made decisions that clearly didn’t help us,” Norris stated during the post-race interviews. “It feels like they’ve been bending over backwards for Red Bull, and honestly, it’s frustrating. Max is a great driver, but this win didn’t feel earned.”
Allegations of FIA Interference
Norris pointed to specific moments during the race and recent changes to McLaren’s car regulations as evidence of bias. McLaren had been forced to adjust their rear wing after allegations of its illegality earlier in the season, a modification Norris believes has impacted the team’s competitiveness.
“We made those changes because we follow the rules, but seeing how things have unfolded, it makes you wonder if all teams are being held to the same standard,” Norris remarked. “The ‘mini DRS’ issue was blown out of proportion, and since then, our performance has been under scrutiny in ways Red Bull hasn’t faced.”
A Heated Championship Rivalry
Despite his frustrations, Norris acknowledged Verstappen’s s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 but emphasized that external factors played a role in the Dutchman’s continued dominance.
“Max drove well, as he always does, but let’s not pretend it was all down to the car or driver,” Norris said. “There were decisions made this weekend that didn’t make sense and ultimately worked against us. It’s hard not to feel like the deck is stacked sometimes.”
A Call for Transparency
Norris’s accusations have reignited calls for greater transparency in FIA decision-making processes. Many within the paddock, including fans and analysts, have debated whether Red Bull has benefited disproportionately from regulatory leniency throughout the season.
As the championship nears its conclusion, Norris remains resolute in his pursuit of future success, saying: “We’ll fight back, no matter the obstacles. But we need a fair playing field, or this sport loses its integrity.”
The Las Vegas Grand Prix may have crowned Verstappen as a four-time world champion, but Norris’s bold statements ensure that the conversation around fairness and competition in Formula 1 is far from over.
