Fighting in pubs and on track – Norris & Verstappen reflect on 2024 title rivalry

The now four-time F1 world champion and his 2024 rival contender may have put up a real fight on track, but remain quite chummy going into what will likely be another contentious 2025 title battle.

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris were thick as thieves as the two title challengers from last season joked about fighting in a local pub ahead of renewing their on-track battles in 2025.

The pair are long-term friends, but that relationship was seemingly strained at times last year as they were fighting for the drivers’ crown, which was ultimately retained by Verstappen. Having had time to reflect on 2024, Norris and Verstappen sat alongside one another during a media session on the second day of pre-season testing in Bahrain and went into something close to a comedy double-act when answering how their relationship now stood.

“It is a terrible relationship. We don’t get on anymore, it’s taken its toll. Big drama,” said Verstappen as Norris chuckled along.

It was then the McLaren man’s turn: “We had a fight the other day in a local pub,” he added.

Like any well-oiled Saturday Night Live sketch, Verstappen jumped straight back in.

“We had to get escorted (out of the pub). I always say, you should see the other guy… but he still looks good, so, whatever!”

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20, leads Lando Norris, McLaren MCL38

Photo by: Andy Hone

Previous title rivals may not have sat sniggering like teenagers being disciplined — indeed, Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Damon Hill even Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, were more likely to have actually attempted to settle their differences by brawling in a bar. For Norris, who ended the season 63 points behind Verstappen, insists both he and his Red Bull rival are more concerned about what is to come.

“I think we both look forward to more of last year, more battles,” he said.

“I don't think it's just going to be us. I think there's going to be others involved, which will make it more exciting for everyone. But yeah, I know they're going to be tough battles and I'm sure some of them are not always going to end the way I want or hopefully Max wants, but we're racing drivers.

“We get along. We've always said those kind of things. I know everyone tries to make their own points and say what's correct and what's not correct, but we respect each other a lot and we look forward to more racing on track.”

Asked if he had anything to add, maybe predictably by that point, Verstappen replied: “No, that’s beautifully said.” Maybe their relationship really is simply lovely… .