Was Lando Norris taking shots at Max Verstappen when he used his “simply lovely” catchphrase?
Lando Norris clarified that he was not trying to make a statement by using Max Verstappen’s famous radio catchphrase after his victory at the Dutch Grand Prix last weekend.
Norris managed to outperform Verstappen to take both pole position and victory at the reigning world champion’s home race in Zandvoort, finishing a substantial 22.8 seconds ahead after a commanding performance.
Upon crossing the finish line, Norris remarked: “Uh huh. Simply lovely, huh? Well done.” When questioned by Sky Sports F1 about his use of the “simply lovely” phrase, a staple in Verstappen’s radio messages in recent years, Norris shared his perspective.
“Well, I mean, he’s won a lot of races and he’s done a lot of things,” Norris said. “I don’t know – I’m not prepared for it, I don’t prepare myself for it, so it just felt like the easiest go-to.”
When asked if there was a deeper meaning behind his message, especially with Daniel Ricciardo hinting that Verstappen might not have taken it well, Norris responded: “Honestly, it doesn’t mean anything to me from my side.
“I’m not trying to make a statement; I just want to win and go home! I’m not interested in making statements or creating drama. “It just came to mind, so I said it. It’s a fun thing. I’m not trying to take a jab or anything, like many people might assume or turn into headlines.
“It was more of a lighthearted gesture, and I respect Max a lot, so I borrowed one of his phrases from his many, many wins.”
Norris’s second career victory reduced Verstappen’s championship lead to 70 points, with nine races remaining, including the upcoming Italian Grand Prix.
