Lando Norris makes unusual offer to Max Verstappen as he fires back at title rival

has invited to 'come and test our car' after the Dutchman confidently stated that he would have dominated the Japanese Grand Prix last weekend if he was driving machinery. Verstappen looked set for another qualifying session fighting for the second row of the grid in Suzuka before a staggering final effort put him on pole position for the Grand Prix.

From there, the result was never in doubt as the four-time world champion managed the gap to Norris and to perfection, collecting his first win of the season. This was a disappointing result for the McLaren drivers, who had dominated the opening races in Melbourne and Shanghai. Verstappen then rubbed salt in Norris' wounds with some provocative post-race comments.

"I'm very happy with what I'm doing," Verstappen told Viaplay. "I don't even want to think about it if I'd been in that other car [McLaren]. Then you wouldn't have seen me." Asked to clarify those comments in Bahrain, he replied: "You thought it was a joke? It is not a joke."

These comments didn't go down well with title rival Norris, who is one point clear of the 27-year-old in the Drivers' Championship standings after three rounds of the season. The Brit has been keen to play down McLaren's advantage in 2025, despite the Woking-based squad clearly being the team to beat.

"I don't mind, he can say what he wants," Norris said in Bahrain. "I don't care, honestly. Everyone can say what they want and believe what they want. I believe both Oscar and myself are good drivers.

"He (Verstappen) is maybe better at some things, but he is not better in every area. I have a lot of respect for Max, but I also know some things are not true. He can come and test our car any day that he wants, and I'll be excited to see the disappointment on his face after he gets out."

For both Norris and Verstappen, the Bahrain GP promises to be a revealing experience. Red Bull's performance has been hard to gauge this season, but the Milton Keynes squad's true pace will be put to the test at the Sakhir International Circuit, which is a more conventional race track than the three that have come before it.

Norris will be desperate to bounce back with a win. McLaren have been quick to downplay the possible damage that the round-nine technical directive might cause, but the Brit will look to extend his championship advantage as much as possible before the teams arrive in Barcelona.