F1 star angered by Verstappen ‘friendship’ allegations

Lando Norris has denied that his friendship with Max Verstappen influences his racing dynamics.

The McLaren driver has now explained his approach and highlighted the fairness and impartiality he values, especially when competing with Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton at the US Grand Prix in Austin. In an interview with Motorsport.com, Norris responded to those who question his position and explained what some in Austin consider “easy”.

“One of the areas I’ve been good at this year is reading the situations I’m in and knowing who to race and who not to race,” Norris said. “I know it’s a race at the end of the day, but I knew I was going to lose to Max in Austin and the way I raced Lewis and the way I ended up racing Max, I’m losing positions, both of them.

“It’s not a bad attitude, I’m just honest and realistic about the situation I’m in. There was little chance of leaving Max behind him. He was so fast and his tire wear – I don’t know if anyone saw it this year – was so much better than everyone else’s. “There’s no point in ruining the longevity of your race by racing someone who has a 99% chance of beating you just because they’re in a faster car. When Lewis passed me [in Austin], there were about six laps to go. He was on new tires, so still not the best reason to race him, but the chances of leaving him behind were much better than Max’s.

“If I had raced with Max, I would have used more tires because he was much faster. I would endanger my race rather than harm or benefit from my ability to extend my term. I think this is just one of many instances where I was right to pick my battles.

Norris stressed that his friendship with Verstappen only served as additional motivation to beat his rival. “Do I want to get stronger and defend myself better? “Of course,” he said. “Why don’t I compete?” I love racing and that’s what I want to do. I don’t want to serve anyone! Especially not Max!”

“People outside are too quick to judge why I don’t race Verstappen. [They say], ‘Oh, because he’s friends with Max’ and so on. It has nothing to do with that person.

“Anyway, I’d rather hit someone than be friends with them.