Lando Norris explains why Max Verstappen ‘best mates’ claim is ‘nonsense’

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Lando Norris and Max Verstappen are fierce rivals on track in Formula 1 but off track, they are quite close as friends.

Both drivers have been seen playing paddle together on occasion and participating in esports events, while they share a friendly camaraderie in the media press conferences during race weekends.

That closeness between the pair has given way to claims that Norris is too friendly with Verstappen, namely after their collision during the Austrian Grand Prix which saw the Briton retire with damage while fighting for the lead with the Red Bull.

Martin Brundle felt Verstappen was at fault for the collision, while the stewards issued a 10-second time penalty and two points on his super licence.

Since then, Verstappen and Norris have only come close on one other occasion during the British GP when the Dutchman had a significant tyre offset after McLaren fumbled their strategy.

While it might seem like Norris is more reluctant to put in a bold move on his off-track friend, the McLaren driver claims everyone is equal when speaking to The Athletic.

Lando Norris ‘hates everyone’ when he puts his helmet on

Since winning his first race in Miami and closing the gap to Verstappen in the Drivers’ Championship, Norris has faced questions over whether he is up to the challenge of going against one of the toughest drivers on the grid.

Norris and McLaren have made mistakes that have cost them important points, but he believes his approach is the right one to racing the Dutchman.

“As soon as I put the helmet on, I hate everyone. That doesn’t change,” said Norris.

“A lot of people think because I get along with someone here, or because, I don’t know, just play on a (video) game with someone, that you’re just best mates in life, no matter what you do. That’s just nonsense.

“We do those things. We have similar interests. We play padel together, that kind of stuff. And I like Max as a guy, I think he’s a very genuine guy. But that doesn’t change anything when I’m on the track.”

Lando Norris warns Singapore GP dominance can be repeated

Last time out in Singapore, Norris put on a dominant display by winning over 20 seconds around the street circuit.

Verstappen was unable to catch the Briton and admitted that he caught a lucky break with Ferrari’s disastrous qualifying and Oscar Piastri being off the pace.

READ MORE: McLaren driver Lando Norris’ life outside F1 from height and parents to celebration

The Singapore GP was the first time he has won directly from pole position having led all 62 laps, and now Norris has warned Verstappen that there could be more to come in the final six races.

Red Bull will be bringing upgrades to the next race in Austin to try and close the gap to McLaren and get their title defence on track, although the latter also has upgrades in the bank that it can rely on if they fall behind.