Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have had a complex relationship both on and off the track, especially during the 2024 season. In a press conference in Bahrain, on the second day of F1 2025 preseason testing, both drivers dismissed suggestions of a personal rivalry and joked about it. Norris was Verstappen's closest rival last season when the Dutchman won his fourth consecutive title in F1.
"We respect each other a lot," said Max Verstappen. Norris commented: "He (Max) is not my BBF, and don't ever say that again. We respect each other and get along well, we are like friends off the track, but that’s it. We don’t get along anymore."
Although their relationship has been complicated, Norris and Verstappen continue to compete on the track. Norris has learned from challenging Verstappen last year and will adopt an 'elbows out' approach in their future competitions. Both drivers respect each other and look forward to having more races on the track together.
In the past, they had a discussion after contact that eliminated them from last season's Austrian Grand Prix. Their fierce on-track encounters have sparked debate about the regulations and aggressive driving. Norris, with his strong performance in the second half of 2024, is considered a strong contender to challenge Verstappen this year.
Despite the conflicts, they have declared having a relatively cordial relationship at times. Verstappen joked that he gets along very well with Norris and that he is his best friend on the grid, although they acknowledge that their friendship has had its ups and downs.
