Verstappen stands by his words: 'I was not joking about dominating in a McLaren'
Updated: 13:17, 11 Apr 2025
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Kada Sárközi joined GPblog as an editor ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season. He graduated with a BA in Sports Journalism in the UK and has covered Grands Prix and other F1 events live.
After his victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen was confident he would have won with a bigger margin last Sunday. The Dutchman confirmed his words in Bahrain as well.
Verstappen on comment about McLaren car
Talking to French channel Canal+, Verstappen is still on the same page about the aforementioned matter. "I wasn't joking. Did thought it was a joke? No, it's not a joke. I mean, we know how hard and how narrow our window is with the car. Now you get that question, 'what would you do in another car?'”
Verstappen continued: “Well, I give you an honest answer. But I also said in the same interview that is not going to happen anyway. So there's no need to speculate about it.”
Piastri suspected Verstappen's was only joking
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Both McLaren drivers have also reacted to Verstappen's comments from the weekend in Suzuka. Oscar Piastri, who is third in the standings, suspected that the defending world champion was joking.
Lando Norris also shared his thoughts on the Dutchman's words. The Briton invited Verstappen to test the McLaren car, so he could see the 'disappointment on Verstappen's face' after.
Currently, only a single point separates the two contenders in the drivers' championship entering Round 4 in Bahrain this weekend.
This article was written in collaboration with Cas van de Kleut
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