Four-time world champion Max Verstappen endured a tense moment with Lando Norris during qualifying for the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix, unleashing an angry radio message after a close call in Q2.
The McLaren drivers had been the dominant force all weekend, with Norris topping all three practice sessions. Verstappen, meanwhile, found himself battling Fernando Alonso and others for third-best pace, struggling to keep up with McLaren’s strong form.
In Q2, Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri went out early to set their banker laps before beginning a slow in-lap. Verstappen, on his first flying lap, caught Norris at Turn 7 – a fast, blind right-hander where cars reach around 180 mph. Although Norris was technically off the racing line, his presence startled Verstappen, who vented over team radio:
“That’s dangerous from the McLaren. What the fk!”**
Despite the heated moment, both drivers advanced safely into Q3.
Verstappen Expects Tough Weekend
Verstappen’s frustrations weren’t limited to the near-miss. The Dutchman admitted after practice that Red Bull’s RB21 still feels difficult to manage at Zandvoort, particularly compared to McLaren’s pace.
“I think it will be hard enough to be in that top five, it looks like,” Verstappen said. “We’re still struggling with the same issues. We tried a lot of things, but nothing really changes the underlying problem.”
He added that the circuit’s layout is compounding their difficulties:
“We’ll look overnight to find a bit more, but I’m not expecting a massive turnaround. The track just doesn’t suit the problems we have with the car.”
With McLaren setting the standard and Aston Martin also showing strength, Verstappen faces an uphill battle to deliver for his home crowd in Sunday’s race.
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