Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
2025 FIA Formula One World Championship
2025 Bahrain Grand Prix
Bahrain International Circuit
Sakhir Desert, Bahrain
Sunday, 13 April 2025
Lando Norris will be looking at the
Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday 13 April as an opportunity to widen the gap between himself and Max Verstappen following the dramatics that took place at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Verstappen dominated the Japanese GP weekend, securing his 64
th F1 victory with a superb qualifying lap that edged out McLaren's Norris and Oscar Piastri, who finished second and third, respectively, in both qualifying and the race.
Despite his Japanese GP victory, Verstappen remains second in the driver standings behind Norris. The gap however is now just one point and Norris fought hard for the win in Suzuka, even taking his battle with Verstappen off track at one stage.
Norris, usually quick to praise Verstappen, was asked if the Dutchman's Suzuka performance demonstrated a championship threat despite McLaren's superior car. This prompted him to offer a clarification.
"I feel I get a lot of questions like, 'Are you surprised by Max?' when he has a day like [in qualifying] or a race like [on Sunday]," said Norris, speaking to the media.
"And I guess people always expect me to say yes, but I don't think there is a reason to be. I don't think I ever have. I've always had a lot of respect for Max.
"There are those moments when you're in the car, when you're driving, you know what is good and what is not. I don't need anyone to tell me what Max is capable of doing or whether I should think this or that.”
"Of course, I've always got my own opinions, but I'm always going to have the respect. I know how good he's been since we shook hands back in 2015 or something, 2014, and I was half the height I am now. I don't need people to tell me these things,” Norris added.
"People seem shocked when I say I'm not surprised and stuff like that, but I know how good he is. I know what he's capable of doing. So I would say nothing is a surprise anymore.
"I still believe that we're going to have some good races and we can go toe-to-toe, and that some days he'll come out on top and others I will."
2025 Japanese Grand Prix results:
Winner: Max Verstappen – Red Bull Racing
Second-place: Lando Norris – McLaren
Third-place: Oscar Piastri – McLaren
Kick start a non-stop world of sports
Betting on motorsport with Betway is fast-paced and exhilarating. With access to a huge selection of markets and odds, it won’t be long before you are betting at 100km/h
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions download the Betway App and start playing on the go!