Verstappen understands fierce reaction of Norris: 'Do I remember myself...'
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- Corwin Kunst
The question was asked several times last week: can Max Verstappen and Lando Norris remain friends when competing against each other for wins in Formula 1. After the press day at the Silverstone circuit, we seem to be able to answer that. If it is up to both men, there are no objections. Max Verstappen told GPblog and others.
In Formula 1, it is rare that drivers are actually good friends of each other. Was it a unique situation for Verstappen? "With some of course, yeah, you have a closer relationship than others. And yeah, I get on really well with Lando. We are fighting naturally for wins this year. And I of course don't want that to ruin the friendship off track as well because that's definitely not what it deserves."
If we go back in time for a while, we see that Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost initially got along more than well. However, once it came down to the marbles, the two drivers could neither see nor air each other. Verstappen, however, thinks it is possible to remain friends. "I think so. It depends a bit on your personalities. He [Norris] is a great guy, he's a really nice person who loves Formula One, he loves racing. He's just very passionate about it."
Verstappen understands emotion Norris
Verstappen puts it all in perspective. "You also have to probably realise he's fighting for a second potential win, I'm fighting for my 62nd win. Naturally your emotions are a little bit different because I know that from myself when I was fighting for these first wins in F1, but that's fine that's why I also said let it cool off and we’ll talk tomorrow."
Norris demanded an apology from Verstappen immediately after the Austrian GP. Otherwise, he would lose respect for his friend. However, Norris soon regretted that statement.