Lando Norris addresses rumoured Max Verstappen partnership: 'I can beat any driver'

Lando Norris has addressed whether he could beat Max Verstappen or any driver on the Formula 1 grid in the same car, insisting he believes he "can beat any driver".

Verstappen has been linked with a move to McLaren, to the extent that it has been reported that it was the Dutchman's camp that initiated talks.

Despite this, McLaren CEO Zak Brown has insisted that the papaya squad is not looking to sign the four-time champion, with the team having no third car available and two strong drivers in Norris and Oscar Piastri.

This has raised the question of whether Norris would be open to having Verstappen as his team-mate and whether he feels he has the ability to beat any driver in the same machinery.

According to Norris, he feels he has made a clear improvement in his driving since battling the Red Bull driver for the title last season and coming out on top, and he would be open to having any of F1's greats alongside him.

Asked if he feels he can beat anyone, even Verstappen, in the same car, Norris replied: "I certainly think I’ve improved compared to last year. It’s also just a very different car to drive, and how you have to drive it is quite different. 

"So, you have to adapt to those situations. I also feel like I’m certainly a little bit more of a complete driver. I’m able to adapt more to different situations and driving styles and characteristics that the car needs to be driven in. 

"And I do believe I can… I think we have to just word it carefully. 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, every single weekend, performing to the level that he does, is what’s impressive. 

"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. 

"And I think that’s something that Max is able to do probably better than almost everyone. So, yeah, I believe whether it’s him or having a chance to go against Lewis or Fernando, any of the people, the drivers that people know are some of the best, 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."