Norris backs Verstappen with pointed Russell criticism: “He is sneaky…” – Lando Norris has appeared to side with Max Verstappen in his criticism of George Russell after making a pointed remark about his fellow British driver. The McLaren star’s comments add another layer to the increasingly intense rivalry between some of Formula 1’s leading drivers.
Norris is competing in 2026 with the number 1 on his McLaren after winning the 2025 Formula 1 Drivers’ World Championship. His latest comments about Russell have attracted attention because they appear to echo criticism previously directed at the Mercedes driver by Verstappen.
Norris delivers pointed assessment of Russell
The precise context surrounding Norris’ remark has not been fully released, but the statement has been interpreted as a criticism of Russell’s approach or character.
Norris is quoted as describing Russell as “sneaky…”, a striking assessment given the competitive relationship between the two drivers.
Without the full context of the exchange, however, it would be premature to draw broader conclusions about what Norris intended by the comment.
Comment echoes Verstappen’s earlier criticism
Norris’ apparent assessment of Russell is notable because it aligns with criticism Verstappen has previously made about the Mercedes driver.
Verstappen and Russell have developed a tense relationship at various points during their Formula 1 careers, with disagreements between the pair producing some of the more outspoken exchanges in the paddock.
Norris appearing to share Verstappen’s view therefore adds an intriguing dimension to the situation, particularly given that all three drivers are competing at the front of the current generation of Formula 1 talent.
Three leading drivers under pressure
Norris and Russell are both members of a younger generation seeking to establish themselves among Formula 1’s leading drivers. Their careers have also increasingly intersected with Verstappen’s, as the Red Bull driver remains one of the central figures in Formula 1 as a generational talent.
That makes public assessments between the drivers more significant than they might otherwise appear. Even seemingly brief comments can fuel discussion about rivalries, driving styles and relationships within the paddock.
Russell rivalry adds another layer
Norris’ apparent endorsement of Verstappen’s criticism provides another talking point as Mercedes continues to compete against McLaren and Red Bull.
However, with the full context of Norris’ comments apparently unavailable, the remark should not be treated as evidence of a major dispute between the McLaren and Mercedes drivers.
What is clear is that Norris’ choice of words has attracted attention. If he was indeed endorsing Verstappen’s previous assessment of Russell, it could further intensify one of Formula 1’s most interesting interpersonal rivalries.
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Most of us watching and listening to various airings across F1 GPs have our own views of Russell … and sneaky might be one of the more benign views of his character! So this is certainly NOT news! As Norris has only recently risen up the ranks, maybe it’s the first time HE’s witnessed it first-hand