Lando Norris claims he ‘doesn’t care’ if he has played paddle with Max Verstappen when fighting the Dutchman on-track

Lando Norris asserted that friendships did not matter to him once he was on track.

Lando Norris claims he ‘doesn’t care’ if he has played paddle with Max Verstappen when fighting the Dutchman on-track

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris (Via: Imago)

Ex-F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya recently revealed, at his time in Formula one the drivers rarely spoke to each other and which is still the case till today. Lando Norris is the driver in Formula one who’s been friends with every other driver and responded to the Columbian driver.

Lando Norris explained, despite the public perception that he and Max Verstappen are close friends who socialize regularly. Their relationship is not as deep as people think it is. He mentioned that they occasionally played paddle tennis and traveled together, but they didn’t spend a lot of time together outside of these activities. Norris also mentioned that he admires Juan Pablo Montoya but he didn’t let JPM’s opinion or comments affect him. Though, the Briton claimed that his friendship with Verstappen could be at risk.

I'm not exactly going out to dinner with other drivers on a Saturday night either. I love JPM, and as much as I hate to say it, I don't care what he says. People think we're best friends and we talk every day, but mostly we play paddle tennis and fly together.
Lando Norris said, as reported by soymotor.com
YouTube video

Lando Norris said that when he’s racing on the track, he doesn’t let past experiences with other drivers affect his focus or mindset. This was mentioned by him during an interview on the official Formula 1 podcast, Beyond The Grid. Norris separates his professional racing from any personal relationships or activities he might have had with other drivers outside of racing. For Norris, what matters most during a race weekend is his performance, rather than any off-track friendships.

FS Video
When we're on track, I don't care what we've done together in the past.
Lando Norris added

Lando Norris claims he doesn’t care what happened in Formula 1 many years back

Lando Norris explained that when he’s on the racetrack, he doesn’t let external factors affect him. The design of another driver’s helmet or the type of car and who the driver is doesn’t affect his racing mentality. Norris highlighted the crucial role of mutual respect among drivers and the importance of knowing how much space to give each other. This respect is built based on their on-track behavior, rather than any personal preferences or off-track relationships. Norris highlighted fair competition and based on his observations and experiences with other drivers during races.

That doesn't change what happens on the track, I don't care what helmet or car I race against. You build respect and I know how much I can respect someone on the track, who I should give more space to, that kind of thing, but that's it.
Lando Norris stated
Lando Norris (via IMAGO)
Lando Norris (via IMAGO)

Lando Norris expressed that while he respects Formula 1’s history, he’s more focused on the present. The young Briton said he doesn’t care what happened many years back in the sport. Norris believed the sport has evolved significantly over the years, with higher levels of driver skill and changes in people’s mindset. The 26-year-old prioritized adapting to today’s competitive environment rather than considering past achievements .

I don't care what happened 20 or 30 years ago , as much as I respect its history. Everything has changed in the world, the mentality of the people, the level of the drivers is much higher than in those times.
Lando Norris said

Certainly, Lando Norris denied what Formula one was back then. The sport has changed drastically now and he’s more focused on the current situation. Everyone must adapt to what is happening today rather than consider the past and act accordingly.

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