“He’s not on my level!” — Lando surprised the F1 world by directly criticizing Max Verstappen’s performance after the 2025 Italian GP.

The 2025 Italian Grand Prix in the iconic National Autodrome of Monza, known as the “temple of speed”, was not only a velocity and strategy show, but also the scenario of a controversy that has given much to talk about in the world of formula 1. Lando Norris, the talented McLaren British driver Verstappen, the tetracampeón of the world of Red Bull, after the race. With the words “He is not at my level!”, Norris tried to question Verstappen’s performance, but the response of the Dutch, with only 15 words, not only left him evident, but also won the unanimous applause of fans and experts. This article deepens the details of this verbal confrontation, the race itself and the implications for the future of both pilots in the 2025 season.The race in Monza was another chapter in the intense rivalry between Verstappen and the McLaren pilots, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who have dominated much of the 2025 season.

Verstappen, starting from the pole position, once again demonstrated why he is considered one of the best pilots of today. Despite a controversial start in which the first Chicana cut to stay ahead of Norris, the Dutch momentarly yielded the position to avoid a sanction, only to recover it in the fourth round with an impeccable maneuver on the exterior of the retinifilo variant. From that moment, Verstappen controlled the race with an overwhelming rhythm, crossing the goal with an advantage of 19.2 seconds over Norris, who finished second, and more than 20 seconds on Piastri, thirdly.The key moment that the controversy unleashed occurred outside the track, when Norris, visibly frustrated, launched his direct criticism against Verstappen.

“He is not at my level!” Exclaimed the British in an interview after the race, insinuating that the tetra -champion had not run intelligently or that his victory was due more to luck than to talent. These words quickly resonate in the paddock and social networks, generating a wave of reactions among fans. Some supported Norris for his courage to challenge the leader of Red Bull, while others considered that his comment was a strategic error, given Verstappen’s history in pressure situations.

Verstappen’s response was swift. With his characteristic mixture of trust and sarcasm, the Dutch replied: “Have you exchanged positions? Ha! Only because your Pit-Stop has been slow?” These 15 words, pronounced with a contained smile, not only disarmed Norris’ criticism, but also highlighted a tactical error of McLaren that marked the race. During boxes, Norris suffered a calamitous tire change that lasted 5.9 seconds, which allowed Pastri to overcome it temporarily. McLaren, in a controversial decision, ordered Pastri to yield the second position to Norris, arguing that the British had classified better and that the slow stop was not his fault. This team order, which reminded the controversial GP of Hungary 2024, generated internal tensions in McLaren and fed the Verstappen narrative, who took the moment to make fun of the situation.Andrea Stella, head of McLaren team, defended the decision of her team, stating: “Lando classified better on Saturday, he was ahead of the race and lost that position for something that was not his fault. We demonstrated once again the values ​​and principles we have in this team.” However, Piastri’s reaction, who initially questioned the radio order, showed some discomfort.

“We said that a slow stop in boxes was part of the race. I don’t really understand what has changed, but I will,” said the Australian, showing his commitment to the team, but also a stop frustration. These internal dynamics in McLaren have fueled the debate on the “papaya rules” and their impact on the fight for the championship.The victory of Verstappen in Monza was not only a demonstration of his s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 at the wheel, but also of his ability to handle media pressure. Although Red Bull has not been the dominant team in 2025, with McLaren leading the Construction Championship, Verstappen has taken advantage of every opportunity to shine. His pole position in Monza, achieved after imposing himself in the configuration of the car against the opinion of its technical director Pierre Waché, was a testimony of his instinct and experience. “It has been a great day for us. I could see that the rhythm was good and we have quickly returned to the leadership,” Verstappen said after the race, highlighting the impeccable execution of his strategy.For his part, Norris, despite his second place, did not hide his disappointment. “I have tried to keep my foot down. I enjoyed it, but we didn’t have the rhythm or Max speed,” he admitted. His comment about Verstappen, however, seems to have been an attempt to divert attention from McLaren’s internal problems, particularly the boxes that cost him valuable seconds.
Norris’s criticism was not only answered by Verstappen, but also generated reactions among Italian fans, the “Tifosi”, who booed the British during the podium ceremony, interpreting his comment as a lack of respect for the winner.The 2025 Italy GP also had other prominent moments. Gabriel Bortoleto, the Brazilian debutante of Sauber, shone at the end of eighth, consolidating himself as a promise in Formula 1. Charles Leclerc, although he could not give Ferrari a podium at home, he achieved a solid fourth place, while Fernando Alonso suffered an abandonment for a failure in the suspension of his Aston Martin. Carlos Sainz, meanwhile, had a race to forget after a touch with Oliver Bearman who relegated him to the eleventh place.This controversy between Norris and Verstappen has added a new chapter to the narrative of the 2025 season, which is emerging as one of the most competitive in years. With PIASTRI leading the pilot championship with 324 points, followed by Norris to 31 points and Verstappen to 94, the fight for the title is far from defining. The next race in Baku, with its long lines and narrow walls, promises to be a new battlefield where tensions between McLaren and Red Bull could climb even more.
In social networks, especially on platforms like Facebook, fans are already debating who was victorious in this verbal duel. Verstappen’s response, full of ingenuity, has been widely shared, while Norris’s comment has generated both support and criticism. The truth is that this confrontation has added a touch of drama to an already exciting season, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.As Formula 1 prepares for its next stop in Azerbaijan, one thing is clear: the rivalry between Norris and Verstappen is far from finishing. Each race is an opportunity for these pilots to demonstrate not only their talent on the track, but also their ability to handle pressure outside it. Can Norris redeem in Baku? Or will Verstappen continue to dominate both in the asphalt and in words? The “temple of speed” has left an indelible brand in the 2025 season, and the world of formula 1 is looking forward to the next chapter.