In a cheeky exchange during a pre-season interview ahead of the revolutionary 2026 campaign, Norris was asked about Lewis Hamilton’s chances of bouncing back this year after a tricky debut season with Ferrari. The 26-year-old Brit, fresh from his own championship success in 2025, didn’t hold back.

‘He’s not won seven world championships,’ Norris began, before pausing as the crowd shouted ‘eight!’ – a not-so-subtle nod to the infamous 2021 title decider where many believe Hamilton was robbed of an eighth crown by controversial FIA decisions.

With a sly smile on his face, Norris fired back with just four explosive words: ‘It should’ve been eight.’

Boom! Those four words have sent shockwaves through the F1 world, with fans and pundits instantly interpreting it as a direct dig at Verstappen’s first title – the one that came after the now-notorious late Safety Car call, which allowed the Dutchman to pit for fresh tyres and snatch victory (and the championship) from Hamilton on the final lap.

The comment, captured on video and quickly going viral on social media, has sparked furious debate. Verstappen, who now drives for Red Bull in what promises to be another fierce battle, has always fiercely defended his 2021 triumph as legitimate – no matter the uproar. He’s dismissed critics as sore losers and insisted the title was won fair and square on track.

But Norris – never one to shy away from speaking his mind – has effectively sided with the Hamilton camp, implying the seven-time champion was cruelly denied what should have been number eight. And in doing so, he’s poked the bear that is Max Verstappen, a driver known for his no-nonsense attitude and zero tolerance for what he sees as disrespect.

Insiders say Verstappen is ‘fuming’ behind the scenes. One source close to the Red Bull camp told us: ‘Max doesn’t take kindly to people questioning his achievements, especially not from another driver. He’s worked incredibly hard for every title, and this kind of comment just stirs up old wounds. Expect some spicy radio messages if they end up battling on track this season.’

The timing couldn’t be more explosive. With the 2026 regulations now in full swing – active aero, slashed ICE power, massive electric boosts – the grid is more unpredictable than ever. Hamilton, now 41 and in his second year at the Prancing Horse, is desperate to prove he can still mix it at the front. Norris, the fresh-faced champion, is riding high after dethroning Verstappen last year (in a season that saw plenty of its own controversies).

And Verstappen? The quadruple champ (five if you count 2021 without asterisks) is gunning for redemption and another dominant run. The last thing he needs is fellow drivers dredging up 2021 – a season that still divides opinion like no other in modern F1.

Social media has erupted. Hamilton fans are loving it: ‘Lando speaking facts! #JusticeForLewis’ one tweeted, while others posted memes of the infamous Jeddah Safety Car moment. Verstappen supporters hit back hard: ‘Norris is just jealous he didn’t win more last year. Max earned every title.’ One viral clip even showed Norris grinning as he delivered the line, adding fuel to claims he’s deliberately winding up his rival.

This isn’t the first time Norris has found himself in hot water over comments about fellow drivers. Remember his regrets over past ‘stupid things’ said about both Verstappen and Hamilton? In late 2025 interviews, he admitted to blurting out heat-of-the-moment barbs – like dismissing Hamilton’s record wins because of Mercedes dominance, or shading Verstappen’s car advantages. But this latest quip feels different – more pointed, more personal, and tied directly to one of F1’s most contentious moments.

Hamilton himself has stayed classy so far. The Ferrari ace has spoken glowingly about Norris in the past, praising his talent and maturity. But with the Brit pack – Norris, Hamilton, and even George Russell – all in the mix, there’s a sense of quiet alliance against the Verstappen steamroller.

Verstappen, for his part, has a history of responding to perceived slights with on-track aggression. Think back to his clashes with Norris in previous seasons – wheel-to-wheel battles that bordered on chaos. If the two line up on the grid in Melbourne for the season opener, expect fireworks.

Norris’s team at McLaren will no doubt be monitoring the fallout closely. The Woking squad has worked hard to position Lando as the sport’s golden boy – charming, relatable, and now a champion. But stirring the pot with Verstappen could backfire if it leads to on-track retaliation or distracts from their title defence.

Meanwhile, the FIA and F1 bosses will be hoping this stays verbal. The sport is still recovering from years of off-track controversies, and the last thing they want is another 2021-style meltdown.

As one veteran F1 journalist put it: ‘Lando’s comment was playful, but in F1, playful can quickly turn poisonous. Max doesn’t forget, and he certainly doesn’t forgive easily.’

With testing wrapped and the cars about to hit the track for real, the stage is set for high drama. Will Verstappen hit back with words – or wheels? Will Hamilton use this as motivation to chase that elusive eighth? And where does Norris fit in this brewing Brit-Dutch rivalry?

One thing’s for certain: those four words – ‘It should’ve been eight’ – have just turned up the temperature in an already boiling paddock. F1’s soap opera never sleeps, and with Lando poking Max right in his most sensitive spot, this season could get very spicy indeed.

Buckle up – the wrath of Verstappen might just be revving in the garage.