The 2023 Formula 1 season has thrown in a lot of variables to keep the fans engaged and intrigued. For instance, Aston Martin and their unimaginable step up from 2022. That being said, maybe the biggest surprise of this season so far is the resurgence of McLaren. Down in the dumps when the season began, the Woking-based outfit has really put a spell on the MCL60 with the latest batch of upgrades. And Lando Norris is really eking out the maximum from it.

In the dying embers of Qualifying today at Silverstone for the British Grand Prix, Norris pulled out a lap and a half as he stormed into provisional pole, some two-tenths clear of the next car. And as soon as he crossed the finish line, the crowd cheered so loud even the Orange army back in the Netherlands could hear it. Well, at least one Dutchman did!

Lando Norris accuses Max Verstappen of British GP mugging

Max Verstappen was next to cross the line but the margin the Brit had over the 2x champion gave fans some hope. And true to form, he rained on the parade of everyone supporting the 23-year-old driver. Right on cue, Verstappen registered a stonking lap to deny Norris only ever his 2nd F1 pole.

But Norris still starts from the front row for tomorrow’s British GP. And after the event, Norris even cheekily took a swipe at the Dutch lion for his dominance as he registered his fifth consecutive pole of 2023. Norris was quoted as saying, “It’s always Max he ruins everything for everyone!”

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While Norris will be harboring some resentment towards Verstappen, the 25-year-old Red Bull ace doesn’t seem to be fussed.

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Verstappen and Norris share a pretty good relationship with each other off the track. Naturally, if the Dutch driver thought he’d have denied his friend an opportunity of a lifetime today, he’d have felt a bit sad, but that’s not true.

For the reigning world champion, it’s only a matter of time till Norris starts properly winning. He said, “If Lando would be in a race-winning car, he would regularly win races – it’s as simple as that.” Even after Norris qualified P2, Max alluded how it is great to see the Briton & his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri lining up in the top 3.

It has been a huge struggle for the boys from Woking. So this is a big celebratory result. Although, can Lando Norris defy all the odds to beat his best friend & win his maiden F1 race at the British GP?

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