Lando Norris’ “Luck” Allegation About Max Verstappen’s Brazilian Grand Prix Victory Severely Refuted by F1 Commentator
Formula 1 has been abuzz with controversy following comments made by McLaren driver Lando Norris regarding Max Verstappen’s performance at the 2023 Brazilian Grand Prix. Norris, who finished in P2 at the race, suggested that Verstappen’s victory was, in part, due to “luck,” sparking a wave of debate among fans, pundits, and drivers alike. However, these allegations have been sharply refuted by F1 commentator and analyst, Martin Brundle, who described Norris’ comments as misinformed and lacking in context.
During a post-race interview, Norris remarked that Verstappen’s late-race pace and ability to overtake in challenging conditions were not entirely down to skill, but were instead aided by “luck.” He suggested that Verstappen had benefitted from timely safety cars and favorable circumstances on track, allowing him to claim yet another victory in what has been a dominant season for the Dutch driver.
“It was a race of opportunities,” Norris said. “Max got lucky with the timing of the safety car, and everything seemed to go in his favor. He’s been lucky throughout the year, and he seems to be in the right place at the right time.”
Norris’ comments were met with immediate backlash, particularly from those who view Verstappen’s achievements as a result of sheer talent, consistency, and impeccable race strategy. Among those refuting Norris’ claims was Martin Brundle, who took to social media to express his disagreement.
“Let’s get this straight,” Brundle wrote. “Max Verstappen is not lucky, he’s just very, very good. Luck may play a role in F1, but it’s nothing compared to the amount of preparation, skill, and mental strength Max has demonstrated throughout his career. For Norris to downplay his success in Brazil is not only disrespectful but also undermines the hard work that Verstappen and his team put into every race.”
Brundle continued to elaborate on the nuances of racecraft, explaining that Verstappen’s ability to extract the maximum out of his car—especially in tricky weather conditions or with changing race dynamics—was what set him apart from his competitors.
“It’s easy to point to external factors like a safety car or changes in weather conditions, but great drivers know how to turn those factors to their advantage. Max did exactly that in Brazil, and it wasn’t luck. It was a perfect example of how to adapt, read the race, and execute a strategy under pressure.”
In the Brazilian Grand Prix, Verstappen made a series of bold overtakes and managed to carve his way through the field after the mid-race restart, clinching a victory despite the unpredictable nature of the race. His performance was widely praised by commentators and analysts, who highlighted his resilience and strategic thinking, especially after McLaren’s Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc presented strong challenges.
Brundle’s defense of Verstappen is part of a growing narrative in F1, where critics often dismiss the Dutch driver’s incredible run of form as luck or good fortune. Verstappen’s dominance in 2023, which saw him secure multiple race wins and ultimately his third consecutive World Championship title, has often been met with skepticism from those who have yet to accept that he is among the sport’s all-time greats.
For his part, Norris later sought to clarify his comments, stating that he had intended to highlight the unpredictable nature of the race, rather than discredit Verstappen’s abilities. However, the damage had already been done, with many seeing his comments as another attempt to downplay the dominant form of the reigning World Champion.
Whether or not the controversy surrounding Norris’ remarks will subside, one thing is certain: Max Verstappen’s standing in the F1 world remains unshaken. With Brundle and many other experts firmly behind him, it seems that Verstappen’s “luck” is simply the result of unrivaled skill and determination.