Source: Official Team Post via X
Emerson Fittipaldi Sees Max Verstappen's 'Magic' in Lando Norris
F1 legend Emerson Fittipaldi draws parallels between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, noting their ability to perform under pressure. Both drivers' knack for pulling off 'magic' laps in challenging conditions unites them in Fittipaldi's eyes.
Two-time world champion Emerson Fittipaldi recently highlighted a compelling comparison between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, suggesting that both drivers possess a unique 'magic' in Formula 1. Max Verstappen has been the benchmark for excellence in F1 throughout the 2020s, a period marked by his and Red Bull’s dominance. Yet, Fittipaldi sees something of Verstappen’s prowess in Norris, who has been making waves with McLaren.
In a fascinating twist of fate, Norris narrowly edged out Verstappen to clinch the 2025 title, a feat that had McLaren on edge until the very end, with the final standings separated by a mere two points. This year, despite McLaren's struggles with a new ruleset, Norris has shown the skill and resilience of a true champion, further solidifying Fittipaldi's comparison.
During an interview, Fittipaldi remarked on Norris’s remarkable ability to deliver under pressure, much like Verstappen. "Lando is another very fast driver and a world champion," he stated. "He is extremely fast in the wet and in difficult conditions. He is always able to put together a quick lap when needed. Similar to Verstappen, he can suddenly pull out a magic lap under pressure."
The Brazilian legend also gave a nod to Norris's ability to navigate challenging circumstances, noting that McLaren lost some ground due to the new regulations, but Norris’s skill kept them competitive. Fittipaldi has previously expressed admiration for Norris, placing him in the company of other esteemed drivers like Verstappen, Kimi Antonelli, Oscar Piastri, and Fernando Alonso.
Fittipaldi didn't stop at praise for Norris. He also lauded Verstappen as the "very best" driver in the world today. When asked about Verstappen’s potential to surpass Lewis Hamilton’s record of seven world championships, Fittipaldi was optimistic. "For sure, he has the potential to do that," he said, emphasizing Verstappen’s enduring commitment to the sport and his ability to push the boundaries of human limits.
The discussion around Norris and Verstappen reflects a broader narrative in F1: the emergence of a new generation of drivers capable of redefining excellence in the sport. Whether Norris can continue to live up to the comparisons with Verstappen remains to be seen, but Fittipaldi’s endorsement is a strong indicator of Norris’s potential to leave a lasting mark on Formula 1.