Norris details challenge of staggering Verstappen feat

Max Verstappen achieved something quite remarkable last weekend at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, as the Red Bull driver won two races on the same day. Lando Norris is "ready" to attempt the feat.

As well as claiming victory at Imola ahead of Lando Norris by just seven tenths of the second, the reigning world champion was also part of the winning team in the virtual 24 Hours of Nurburgring.

Astonishingly, Verstappen completed his stint in the virtual race ahead defeating Norris, with the action having been captured on stream. 

Clips and images of Verstappen racing in the virtual event quickly circulated on social media, with the Dutchman having been questioned about the uniqueness of what he achieved in the post-race press conference. 

"Not in one day, and not in the simulator either," Verstappen said, when asked if he had won two races in a day before.

"We prepared well for it, so of course I am happy with the result."

'I probably stayed up longer'

Norris was also asked about Verstappen's achievement and whether he could ever manage the same, to which the Imola GP winner intervened by revealing that the duo had previously competed in a simulator event together. 

"You know we drove the 24 Hours of Spa together?" said Verstappen, before Norris added: "We've driven together before. I did my bit." 

Verstappen then laughed and joked: "He's retired. It’s like ‘I've done that’."

Norris does often race in a simulator on the Quadrant YouTube channel – the company he founded – but has never had a sim with him at the circuit. 

He would be up for trying to race in a virtual event the same weekend as a Grand Prix, but naturally spends less time nowadays in the virtual world.

"I've never tried it, nor do I have a simulator with me [during weekends]," said Norris. 

"I still do it, but not as much as I used to. I golf more now, Max hates golf. So I've just never tried it. I would be ready for it, I also stayed up late to watch a boxing match and never sleep much anyway." 

Norris continued: "I also don't think he (Verstappen) is paying the biggest toll for it. Otherwise he probably wouldn't have done it either. 

"He also didn't drive until late. Did a couple of stints and then prepared for the race. In any case, it's not a physical effort, more mental. It might hurt a little bit, but I think I probably stayed up longer."