Lando Norris considers Max Verstappen as his best friend on the current Formula 1 grid. The British driver shares how the Dutchman even inspires him in one significant area. However, their friendship doesn’t deter Norris from continuing to compete against Verstappen in the upcoming races.
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have been good friends since the British driver’s F1 debut in 2019. Norris even labels the Dutchman as “probably his best friend” on the current Formula 1 grid, admitting that Verstappen has greatly inspired him in the area of speaking his mind. Verstappen is known for not always holding back his opinions.
“I think you just have to live more freely, like he does,” Norris refers to Verstappen, in an interview with The Telegraph. The young Brit does admit that he sometimes struggles to follow Verstappen’s example. “I definitely care too much about what people think of me. I certainly cared too much when I started in 2019-2020, although I care less now. Some people will like you, others won’t. You just have to accept that.”
Norris’ Growth and Desire to Challenge Verstappen
The McLaren driver believes he has improved since his F1 debut in not caring about what others think of him. “In the past, I wanted everyone to like me and never say anything wrong. But I’m increasingly realizing that I just want to say what I like and what I don’t like,” says Norris. “And people don’t have to like what I’ve said. Of course, you shouldn’t go too far. But it’s just a lot less stressful to live like this.”
Norris’ Ambition to Challenge Verstappen
Despite Verstappen and Norris being good friends, the McLaren driver definitely wants to continue the fight with the world champion for the rest of the season. “I absolutely think I can take on Max and give him a good challenge,” Norris shares. However, the Bristol native doesn’t think it will be easy to beat his good friend. “I rate Max highly. It’s extremely difficult for anyone to challenge him for a world championship.”
