04/07/2026

SPORTS SATURDAY | JULY 4, 2026

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‘I can beat anyone’ Norris would relish Max rivalry at McLaren

Lando Norris

Max Verstappen

Ű BY SCOTT HUNT

Hamilton blocks racing in Lego car LEWI S HAMILTO N yesterday said he planned to boycott a Formula One sponsor ship stunt involving Lego cars in a parade ahead of tomorrow’s British Grand Prix, his home race. “I’m not going to do it,” the British Ferrari driver said, with a laugh. “It’s the most dan gerous part of the weekend!” All 22 drivers are set to be involved in the stunt, 90 minutes before the race driving rep lica cars made of 28,000 Lego bricks that will have a maximum speed of 25kph. Hamilton avoided driving at a previous Lego event in Miami. “I let Charles drive last time and it was just hilarious watching everyone crashing into each other,” said Hamilton. “So yeah, I don’t know whether or not I’ll be in the Lego car this year.” Reports suggested that Hamilton was dis gruntled on behalf of the drivers because they do not receive a fee. Hamilton refused to comment when asked whether safety was his only issue. “There’s not really much to say,” he said. “It’s something I need to take offline.” “I’m not going to involve myself in that (speculation),” Verstappen said. “I’ve said before that if there is something new or some thing that changes you will hear it from me, not from someone else writing it.” – The Independent “I think it’s a cool opportunity for me at the same time. I’m excited for whatever may come my way in the future.” McLaren boss Zak Brown played down links with Verstappen ahead of this weekend, insisting he wanted his current pairing to remain with the team for many years to come. Norris echoed that and talked up his rela tionship with 25-year-old Australian Piastri, but concedes it is good for McLaren to be an attractive proposition to a driver of Verstappen’s calibre. “To be honest, a lot of drivers want to come to McLaren. There’s quite a few others that I know that want to come as well. It’s a cool thing,” Norris added. “It’s a good thing that a four-time world champion wants to come on board and wants to potentially join the team. “I don’t know how much of it is true. It’s not a thing for now, it’s not a serious thing. I’m also just excited for my future with McLaren. I’m still going to be here for many, many more years. “I’m excited for whoever I get partnered with. But for the time being, me and Oscar are still working very well together. We’re excited to work together for more years too.” Verstappen played down any links and insisted he was focused on continuing Red Bull’s upturn in form following an impressive race in Austria last weekend.

Cadillac aim to dazzle THE new Cadillac Formula One team may not have scored a point on track this year, but they intend to catch the eye at this weekend’s British Grand Prix with a dazzling ‘stars and stripes’ liv ery to celebrate 250 years of American inde pendence. The normally monochrome team will unveil a bright full red, white and blue design to mark the anniversary on today, when a packed Silverstone crowd will witness a sprint race and qualifying. British teams McLaren and Williams are also planning special liveries to mark their home event, a trend that is a developing theme in F1 as teams and organisers seek greater commer cialisation. Cadillac’s garage and drivers will also reflect the new colour scheme as the team attempt to build their identity. “The July 4 weekend is a moment for us to show our continued pride and we want to use it as an opportunity to allow new communities to discover the sport,” said Dan Towriss, chief executive for Cadillac F1 Team Holdings. L ANDO NORRIS believes he could beat Max Verstappen in the same car after rumours linking the four-time world champion with a move to McLaren. The Dutchman’s future has been the sub ject of speculation throughout the season, with a combination of Red Bull struggles and a fierce dissatisfaction with the sport’s new rules contributing to his unhappiness. Verstappen has long been linked with Mercedes but the Daily Mail reported last weekend that his management had held talks with reigning champions McLaren, in a move that could see Norris’ current teammate Oscar Piastri move the other way to Red Bull. Norris, who clinched his maiden champi onship last season, said there was nothing in such stories for now but insisted he would not be daunted by the prospect of being paired with Verstappen. “I do believe I can beat any driver. I think what makes Max so incredible is how he is over the course of the season,” Norris said ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix. “I think a lot of drivers on the grid can go out and get a pole and can put in incredible laps. What makes people great and elite is performing at that level but in every practice, every qualifying, every race. “I think that’s something that Max is able to do, probably better than almost everyone. “I believe whether it’s him or having a chance to go against Lewis (Hamilton) or Fernando, any of the drivers that people know are some of the best. PITLANE