Lando Norris was unimpressed with one journalist in Abu Dhabi as he batted off claims that he and Max Verstappen were best friends, instructing the media never to label the pair as ‘BFFs’ again.
The two drivers have shared some exciting battles on-track this season, but away from the circuit, the pair are often spotted hanging out and sharing each other’s company. Both men enjoy simulator racing and gaming, and they also share some mutual friends in their close circles outside of the world of F1.
After being described as Verstappen’s ‘BFF’ by a journalist in Abu Dhabi, Norris hit back saying: “He’s not my BFF. Don’t ever say that again. We respect each other and we get along, kind of friends away, but that’s it. We just have a lot of respect for one another.”
Despite Norris’ rebuttal, there is plenty of legitimacy to the friendship. Verstappen even discussed what helps the pair get along so well ahead of the 2023 season opener in Bahrain back in March.
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“I get on really well with Lando because he is just himself and normal,” Verstappen told the Daily Mail. “He is my best friend on the grid. He loves what he is doing. I could see clearly from years ago in go-karting that he was very quick – though we never raced against each other. Everything just came to him really naturally as a driver.
“Good performances were not just one-offs or hit-and-miss; he was always up at the front. So it was clear he was always going to be here. Some people are quick but don’t know why or how to explain it.
“Lando knows what he is doing, and that is good for McLaren. When he first joined Formula One he was a bit overwhelmed. Lando can be a little shy but he is a super nice guy and you can see, from year one to now, how he has grown as a person – and that helps his performance because he has more confidence in himself.”
Norris and Verstappen’s relationship could even play a role in the former eventually driving for Red Bull. Helmut Marko addressed the pair’s friendship while judging the 24-year-old’s chances of making the move to Milton Keynes in 2025.
“He has a contract with McLaren until 2025, but he is by far the strongest of the young drivers,” Marko told Kleine Zeitung. “His youthful nature would also suit him best to Red Bull, and it’s no secret that Max and he are good friends.”
