Lando Norris hits back at McLaren's Jenson Button 'talking c***' after £80m deal
Lando Norris has hit back at Jenson Button for 'talking c***' about his decision to entrust his future to McLaren. The Briton insists he made the right decision to extend his contract.
Norris signed the contract to keep him with McLaren until 2026 a year ago. It was worth £80million for the 23-year-old.
But Button thinks he shouldn't have put pen to paper for such a lengthy affair. The former world champion said last month that talent would not be enough for Norris to win races or titles, and that he would have to join a competitive team to achieve that.
Norris only made the podium once last season as McLaren finished fifth in the constructors' championship. But he hit back at critics saying he should have kept his options open.
He said: "It's not always that simple. The problem with Formula 1 is that you can be the best driver in the world, not in the best car, and that's not your fault.< /p>
"Lewis (Hamilton) came to McLaren (in 2007) when they were winning championships and winning races and from the start it makes you look good. If he had come to McLaren now he wouldn't wouldn't have won a race and he would never have been close to the driver he is today or achieved what he has today.
"Not everyone knows what's going on behind the scenes and what the opportunities are. It's my choice and it's me who says 'yes' or 'no'.
"I might just be here because I like him more and I like McLaren and it's as simple as that. I respect people's opinions - especially Jenson's because he's been through a lot of those moments - so I take it all on board.
"I'm not ignoring him, I kinda get what he's saying. But if someone says shit about me, then cool, I'll laugh it off and move on. A big problem. A few years ago I probably would have taken it a little more to heart.
LEARN MORE
Max Verstappen hid a "weapon" in title battle with Lewis Hamilton
"I do my best, but most of the people making these comments don't just know the facts. They just have an opinion that creates controversy."
Norris doesn't regret his decision at all. And he admits winning with McLaren would be nicer than with any other team.
He added: "No. We saw what was on the table, but I did it and I want to believe in McLaren - the team that gave me my chance in Formula 1.
>“It would mean more if we managed to win a world championship, rather than just jumping in a car and winning a title, although I would like that too. would love it if we were ahead of what we are."
Lando Norris has hit back at Jenson Button for 'talking c***' about his decision to entrust his future to McLaren. The Briton insists he made the right decision to extend his contract.
Norris signed the contract to keep him with McLaren until 2026 a year ago. It was worth £80million for the 23-year-old.
But Button thinks he shouldn't have put pen to paper for such a lengthy affair. The former world champion said last month that talent would not be enough for Norris to win races or titles, and that he would have to join a competitive team to achieve that.
Norris only made the podium once last season as McLaren finished fifth in the constructors' championship. But he hit back at critics saying he should have kept his options open.
He said: "It's not always that simple. The problem with Formula 1 is that you can be the best driver in the world, not in the best car, and that's not your fault.< /p>
"Lewis (Hamilton) came to McLaren (in 2007) when they were winning championships and winning races and from the start it makes you look good. If he had come to McLaren now he wouldn't wouldn't have won a race and he would never have been close to the driver he is today or achieved what he has today.
"Not everyone knows what's going on behind the scenes and what the opportunities are. It's my choice and it's me who says 'yes' or 'no'.
"I might just be here because I like him more and I like McLaren and it's as simple as that. I respect people's opinions - especially Jenson's because he's been through a lot of those moments - so I take it all on board.
"I'm not ignoring him, I kinda get what he's saying. But if someone says shit about me, then cool, I'll laugh it off and move on. A big problem. A few years ago I probably would have taken it a little more to heart.
LEARN MORE Max Verstappen hid a "weapon" in title battle with Lewis Hamilton
"I do my best, but most of the people making these comments don't just know the facts. They just have an opinion that creates controversy."
Norris doesn't regret his decision at all. And he admits winning with McLaren would be nicer than with any other team.
He added: "No. We saw what was on the table, but I did it and I want to believe in McLaren - the team that gave me my chance in Formula 1.
>“It would mean more if we managed to win a world championship, rather than just jumping in a car and winning a title, although I would like that too. would love it if we were ahead of what we are."
What's Your Reaction?
