Norris backs Verstappen with pointed Russell criticism: “He is sneaky…” – Lando Norris has appeared to side with Max Verstappen in his criticism of George Russell after making a pointed remark about his fellow British driver. Norris is competing in 2026 with the number 1 on his McLaren after winning the 2025 Formula 1 Drivers’ World Championship. His latest comments about Russell have attracted attention because they appear to echo criticism previously directed at the Mercedes driver by Verstappen. Norris is quoted as describing Russell as “sneaky…”, a striking assessment given the competitive relationship between the two drivers. Comment echoes Verstappen’s earlier criticismNorris’ apparent assessment of Russell is notable because it aligns with criticism Verstappen has previously made about the Mercedes driver.