Max Verstappen gives update on friendship with Lando Norris after defeating him for 2024 F1 title
Max Verstappen lifted the curtains on his off-track relationship with Lando Norris following a hardcore championship battle.
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Max Verstappen and Lando Norris shaking hands (via Formula 1)
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris showcased one of the most enticing battles for the 2024 championship. Verstappen emerged victorious in the battle after finishing ahead of the Briton at the recent Las Vegas GP. However, both drivers clashed heads hard with each other on the grid which might’ve taken a hit at the friendship. Regardless, the Dutchman provided an update on the friendship between the two drivers.
Max Verstappen recently took a jibe at Lando Norris claiming that he would’ve won the championship easily in the latter’s car. Even Norris had a few glimpses of hatred towards Verstappen following the on-track antics against one another. Regardless, the four-time world champion noted that the Briton was one of the most incredible young talents in Formula 1. The 27-year-old recalled that the Briton made it difficult to win at times due to having the slower chassis on the track.
We have a lot of incredible young talent in the sport and Lando is definitely one of them. At times, he made it very difficult for me. We simply didn’t have an answer in many races where they were just clearly faster.
Max Verstappen told racingnews365.com
Verstappen believed that all these factors combined made it difficult for Red Bull to win the championship easily. Red Bull’s struggling pace and the slower chassis were the major hurdles in the way of the Dutchman for his championship ambitions. Regardless, the 27-year-old further took an indirect hit at McLaren and claimed that a team needed to be consistent and not ‘overperform’ for one weekend.
At times, he made it very difficult for me. We simply didn’t have an answer in many races where they were just clearly faster. So that made it difficult. But to win a championship, you need to be consistent. Sometimes you try to overperform.
Max Verstappen added
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris still have a ‘lot of respect’ for one another
Max Verstappen has known Lando Norris since the early karting days of the latter as they are good friends. Hence, Verstappen recalled that he already knew Norris for so long and was on good terms with him. Additionally, the reigning world champion claimed that racing a friend to the title was ‘a bit different’. Regardless of the on-track issues, both the drivers still held a lot of respect for one another as the 2024 season nears completion.
McLaren at the moment, they’re extremely strong. Lando, I know him for a long time already. So also to race a friend of yours to the title is always a little bit different. But I think we have a lot of respect for each other. I’m sure that we’ll have many more battles to come.
Max Verstappen noted
The 2024 Constructors’ Championship is still seemingly open for Ferrari to grab at the season finale. McLaren’s dominant pace had taken a hit recently after the Italian constructor outscored them multiple times. Hence, Woking will have to give it their all in the final two races of the season as Norris can now focus on the team rather than his solo championship goals.
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