F1 News
Verstappen on friendships with other drivers: It can be done
- Ludo van Denderen
It is a trait of the all-time greats, in Formula 1 or any sport: they can be so friendly in their dealings, in the end they are all about self-interest. They want to be the best, they want to win and they will do anything to win. At the expense of everyone, even their closest friends. Max Verstappen may seem like such a person to the outside world; an athlete who prefers winning over friendship. The handling of the incident with Lando Norris in Austria proves otherwise. Even in the absolute top, you can be friends with your rival, is the Dutchman's belief.
During media day at Silverstone, Verstappen made it clear that maintaining his good relationship with Norris was dear to him. The pair could be an exception in an otherwise rock-hard world, where good friendships have broken down before. "I do think it can be done," Verstappen said of staying friends. "It depends a bit on your personality. He [Lando] is a great guy, a very nice person who loves Formula 1, loves racing. He's just very passionate about it."
"You probably also have to realise that he is fighting for a second potential win, I am fighting for my 62nd win. Of course, your emotions are a bit different, because I know that about myself when I was fighting for the first wins in F1. But that's fine, that's why I said, 'Let it sink in and we'll talk more tomorrow'."
Norris and Verstappen no Hamilton and Rosberg?
Meanwhile, it is clear that Verstappen and Norris have discussed the clash and at Silverstone, it appeared that they do not want to take each other down. Of course, this was the first time something like this has occurred between the pair; the question is what happens if this is a tenth or twentieth incident. For example, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg could not like or see each other at one point, whereas previously they were friends. "Every person is different. Everyone reacts a bit differently to things and of course, I have a good relationship with Lando, so I know how he is as a person, so that's what I focus on," Verstappen said.
This article was written in collaboration with Ben Stevens.