Lando Norris offered ride in a tank and wants to use it to run over Max Verstappen
Lando Norris could swap his McLaren F1 car for a more unconventional mode of transport.
Lando Norris joked that he could use a tank to stop Max Verstappen from winning the British Grand Prix this summer after receiving an unusual offer from a BBC Radio 1 listener during a phone-in show.
The Bristol-born racer finally got the better of the three-time world champion, securing his maiden F1 race victory on his 110th start at the Miami Grand Prix. Norris managed the race to perfection, opening up a seven-second lead over Verstappen as he announced his arrival as one of the sport’s biggest talents.
In the aftermath of his Miami GP victory, Norris joined Greg James on the Radio 1 Breakfast show to answer listener questions. One caller, David, was brought onto the phone during his partner’s call to explain his decision to tattoo the 24-year-old’s logo on his leg.
After revealing his ink to the McLaren star, James convinced the caller to agree that if Norris wins a World Championship, he will also get a tattoo of his face. David agreed, but his idol was less enthused. “I would say I like it, but I don’t,” he sighed. “Do not get my face tattooed on you!”
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However, before David departed the call, he was offered the chance to say some final words to Norris. He duly obliged, adding: “Just want to congratulate you for your first win in F1… many more to come. And also - I’ll be cheeky - if you ever want a free ride in a tank and stuff, just give us a shout and I can sort you out.”
Norris was shocked by the listener’s offer, but after the surprise subsided, he found a creative use for the offer. “In a tank! Okay deal, I’m down with that. I’ll just take it to Silverstone and if Max is leading, you can use it!”
James added to the plan, suggesting: “That can be the safety car, but it’s a trick that you’ve sorted out and the safety car actually just runs him over.” Norris was in on the scheme, stating: “Perfect, deal, it’s done.”
Before the British GP rolls around in July, Norris may already have added to his Grand Prix victory tally. Over the past handful of years, he has demonstrated excellent pace and racecraft at Imola and if McLaren’s upgrade package keeps them competitive with Red Bull, he should be in the hunt for victory again this weekend.