Martin Brundle responds to Max Verstappen's Lando Norris criticism: "I don't buy into it"

Former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports analyst Martin Brundle has delivered his verdict on Max Verstappen’s criticism of Lando Norris during qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix.

During his final flying lap, the four-time champion came up behind Norris at the final chicane, who was on a cool-down lap at the time. While the British driver didn’t officially impede Verstappen, he argued that it hindered his final lap.

“You can thank your mate for that. Hard luck,” Verstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase said over the team radio after the Dutchman secured second place on the starting grid.

Verstappen told David Coulthard after the session: “That’s what happens when there’s a car in front of you just cruising two seconds in front. That’s noted, it will be remembered as well.”

Speaking on Sky Sports F1 ahead of the race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, Brundle dismissed the claim that Norris was to blame for Verstappen not taking pole position from Mercedes’ George Russell.

“Not really, it didn’t help him. We saw cars in qualifying zig-zagging through cars. I don’t buy into it,” the former driver noted.

“Max’s middle sector wasn’t particularly strong and Lando was there to blame. Lando didn’t help him but I don’t think he can blame not getting pole position on that.”

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Verstappen explained later on Saturday evening that he didn’t want to make the situation bigger than it was.

“Well, first of all, I want to say that, of course, George did a very good lap,” he said to Sky Sports F1. “When I heard the lap time starting my lap, I knew that that was a very good lap. But besides that, I think we had good pace.

“I was up on my final lap. But yeah, of course, what happens then in the final sector is a bit unfortunate, but I also don’t want to make it bigger than it is. There’s no need to go into detail here.”

Photos from Singapore GP – RaceMax Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, George Russell, Mercedes

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, George Russell, Mercedes

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Alexander Albon, Williams, Jackie Stewart

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Alexandra Saint Mleux arrives in the Paddock

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Alexandra Saint Mleux arrives in the Paddock

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Mika Hakkinen arrives at the paddock

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Carmen Montero Mundt with George Russell, Mercedes

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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

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Paddock Club prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Singapore

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Carlos Sainz, Williams

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Pierre Gasly, Alpine

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Oscar Piastri, McLaren

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Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

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Lando Norris, McLaren

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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

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Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

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George Russell, Mercedes

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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

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The busy grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Singapore

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A view of the city at dusk

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Franco Colapinto, Alpine

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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

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Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing

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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

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Lando Norris, McLaren

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Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Team

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A view of the city at dusk

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Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing, Alexander Albon, Williams

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Fans Fans

Fans

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Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, George Russell, Mercedes

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Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, George Russell, Mercedes

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Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren

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Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber, Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Team

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Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber

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George Russell, Mercedes

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Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber

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Lando Norris, McLaren

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Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team

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Oscar Piastri, McLaren

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Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber

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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

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Lando Norris, McLaren

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Martin Brundle responds to Max Verstappen’s Lando Norris criticism: “I don’t buy into it”

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