In the world of Formula 1, rivalries and one-upmanship are a constant, but Max Verstappen’s latest remarks directed at McLaren after a key battle with Lando Norris raised some eyebrows.

Following the recent race, Verstappen delivered a sharp five-word jab at the Woking-based team, further intensifying the competitive tensions between two of F1’s top teams.

Verstappen, who has dominated the 2023 season with Red Bull, secured yet another win in the latest Grand Prix, leaving McLaren’s Norris trailing behind him, despite a valiant effort.

McLaren had shown significant progress over the past few months, with Norris emerging as one of the main challengers to Verstappen’s throne. However, despite Norris’s resilience, Verstappen’s performance was undeniably superior once again.

After the race, Verstappen wasted no time in making a cheeky comment about McLaren’s efforts, suggesting that their recent progress still wasn’t enough to topple Red Bull’s dominance. The comment, delivered in a confident tone, was: “Still not good enough, is it?”

While the comment was brief, it carried a significant impact. It was a direct reference to McLaren’s rising fortunes, which have seen them close the gap on other teams in the paddock.

McLaren’s resurgence, thanks in large part to the development of their MCL60 car, has allowed them to compete more fiercely with Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes.

Norris’s performances, especially, have highlighted the potential for a thrilling fight for second place in the constructors’ standings.

However, Verstappen’s words underscored the reality that, despite McLaren’s progress, Red Bull remains untouchable at this stage. Red Bull’s dominance, led by Verstappen, has been the story of the 2023 season, with the team securing multiple wins and breaking records in the process.

While Verstappen’s comment might have come off as playful banter, it certainly reinforced Red Bull’s current position as the team to beat. For Norris and McLaren, the comment might sting a little, but it also adds fuel to the fire.

The challenge for McLaren and Norris remains clear: to bridge the gap and finally challenge Verstappen’s invincibility.

As the season progresses, the rivalry between McLaren and Red Bull is bound to intensify, with the rest of the grid watching closely to see if McLaren can continue to close the gap to the reigning champions.