Max Verstappen and Lando Norris: Rivals on track, friends off it

As the 2024 F1 season approaches its climax, the tension is palpable on the racetrack, where friends and rivals Max Verstappen and Lando Norris engage in a thrilling title race.

Currently, Verstappen holds a decisive 52-point lead over Norris, setting the stage for a fierce contest in the remaining six races and three sprint events that await them.

The two drivers, who have nurtured a close friendship off the track, are now thrust into the intense spotlight of competition. In recent interviews, Norris was candid about the dichotomy of their relationship.

“As soon as I put the helmet on, I hate everyone. That doesn’t change,” admitted Norris during a chat with The Athletic.

His remarks highlight the fierce instincts that F1 athletes embody as they pursue their ambitions.

“We do those things. We have similar interests. We play padel together, that kind of stuff.

“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.

With a strong possibility of securing his first championship, Norris remains pragmatic. He is aware that even if he maximises his points haul, he would still face an uphill battle with Verstappen needing only second-place finishes in the remaining races to seal the title.

This scenario places added pressure on Norris as he gears up for the final leg of the season. Despite the enormity of the task before him, Norris insists that he is focused on the immediate challenges rather than the overall picture.

"For me, it’s not trying to think of the bigger picture in a way. By doing that, and just focusing on one race at a time, or what I have to do tomorrow, then Saturday, then Sunday, I’m not thinking, ‘I need a good weekend this weekend, so I can do this next weekend.’

“It’s just stupid to think like that, I think,” he stated, emphasising a mindset aimed at fostering consistency and resilience in the face of intense pressure.

IANS