During the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, McLaren driver Lando Norris revealed that he harbored strong feelings against Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, describing that he “hated” Verstappen yesterday amid their ongoing rivalry. This exchange highlighted the fierce competition between the two throughout the 2024 Formula 1 season, where Norris and his British team challenged Verstappen and his Austrian squad’s dominance under the current regulations.
For much of the year, Norris was a serious contender for victories, often holding a performance edge over Verstappen’s team on various circuits. Despite this, Norris was unable to mount a consistent title challenge, hindered by several mistakes across different race weekends. Their intense on-track battles generated notable tension, including a collision in Austria and multiple close races in Austin and Mexico.
Though Verstappen maintained a sizable lead in points over Norris, there were moments, notably during the Brazilian GP qualifying session, where even Verstappen appeared frustrated. Ultimately, Verstappen recovered to secure a strong race win, further strengthening his grip on the championship.
Following the Brazilian race, Norris approached Verstappen in the media zone, and when asked by a ViaPlay reporter if they remained friends, Verstappen responded calmly,
“We were always friends,”
To which Norris humorously added,
“We fell out yesterday. I hated Max yesterday,”
Verstappen later clinched his fourth consecutive world championship in Las Vegas, while Norris rounded off his season with a milestone victory in Abu Dhabi.
Insights from Lando Norris on Racing and Relationship with Verstappen
Looking ahead to the current season, Lando Norris expressed enthusiasm about continuing his on-track rivalry with Max Verstappen. Speaking at a pre-season testing press conference in February, Norris reflected on their competitive dynamic and mutual respect.
“I think we both look forward to more of last year, more battles. I don’t think it’s just going to be us. 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 kinds 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.”
This season, McLaren has demonstrated competitive strength, challenging Red Bull for race wins. Close contests between Norris and Verstappen have already played out at iconic venues like Miami and Suzuka, keeping their rivalry intense and captivating for fans.
What This Rivalry Means for Formula 1’s Future
The escalating Max Verstappen Lando Norris rivalry represents a compelling narrative in the 2024 season. Their fierce battles not only push each other to higher performance levels but also inject drama and unpredictability into the championship fight. As both drivers continue to challenge one another, fans can expect more exciting wheel-to-wheel action and shifting momentum in upcoming races.
With Verstappen aiming for further titles and Norris seeking to convert his pace into consistent success, their ongoing competition is set to shape the championship storyline, while also influencing the strategies of their respective teams. This rivalry underscores the evolving dynamics within Formula 1, highlighting how emerging talents like Norris are intensifying pressure on established champions like Verstappen.