Max Verstappen reacts to major Lando Norris career announcement

Max Verstappen has hailed Lando Norris for the setup of his own junior team, which is due to go racing in 2027.

Earlier this month, the reigning world champion announced the formation of his own junior squad, which has acquired assets from AIX Racing.

It is due to compete in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, Formula Regional European Championship and Italian F4 Championship next year.

The new team was set up by Norris to “give back”, according to the 26-year-old, and offer opportunities to up-and-coming racers.

With the costs for competing in motorsport ever-rising, Verstappen acknowledged it is a positive development for young racers.

“It's tough at the moment, costs are rising,” Verstappen told media including RacingNews365. 

“So the more you can help them, the better it is. 

“Some real talents, they don't have a lot of money, so to be able to create these kind of initiatives is great.”

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Driver

Max Verstappen

Verstappen has no plans to replicate Norris

Verstappen also has his own racing team, however, rather than focusing on the single-seater pyramid, the Dutchman's activities are in endurance competition.

The four-time champion admitted he prefers to keep the two seperate.

"No, not really, not from my side,” he said, when asked if he had plans for a single-seater team.

“I enjoy the endurance side of things and combining endurance and Formula cars is very hectic. 

“I enjoy more to be on the other side, working with established drivers, but also young guys that are finding that it is a crazy world.

“We can prepare them through the sim company we have as well. We are anyway training a lot of Formula 2, 3 and 4 drivers.

“I'm very happy with what I'm doing.