During the intense 2024 Formula 1 season, McLaren’s Lando Norris revealed that he “hated” Red Bull’s Max Verstappen during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend last year. The fierce competition between the two drivers highlighted the Lando Norris Max Verstappen rivalry, as both fought hard to challenge Red Bull’s dominance under the current regulations.
Throughout much of the season, Norris was a serious contender for race wins, often matching or surpassing Verstappen in car performance. Despite this, mistakes during critical moments prevented Norris from mounting a consistent title challenge. The rivalry brought several dramatic incidents, including wheel-to-wheel battles in Austin, Mexico, and a notable collision in Austria, which tested their friendship on and off the track.
Verstappen managed to maintain a solid points lead and showed resilience at key moments, especially during the Brazilian Grand Prix race, where he recovered from a difficult qualifying session to secure a crucial victory. In the aftermath, Norris approached Verstappen in a sportsmanlike manner, though he humorously admitted tension between them.
“We fell out yesterday. I hated Max yesterday,”
—Lando Norris, McLaren driver
Verstappen later claimed the 2024 championship at Las Vegas, marking his fourth consecutive title, while Norris celebrated a milestone with a win in Abu Dhabi, marking a breakthrough season for the young British driver.
Current State of Norris and Verstappen’s Racing Relationship
Earlier this year in February, Lando Norris reflected on his relationship with Max Verstappen during pre-season testing, expressing enthusiasm for future on-track encounters. He emphasized their mutual respect despite intense rivalry, highlighting the competitive nature of their battles.
“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.”
—Lando Norris, McLaren driver
Despite McLaren showing competitive pace over Red Bull in several races this season, including Miami and Suzuka, the spirited rivalry continues to fuel close racing and intense battles for victories, keeping fans engaged and eager for more confrontations between the two drivers.
Impact of the 2024 Rivalry on Formula 1’s Competitive Landscape
The Lando Norris Max Verstappen rivalry in 2024 has significantly challenged the established order dominated by Red Bull. Norris’s emergence as a formidable contender has pushed Verstappen to defend his supremacy, injecting fresh tension and excitement into the championship fight. Their close contests have not only shaped race outcomes but also added a complex interpersonal dynamic, showing how fierce competition can coexist with professional respect.
Looking ahead, this rivalry is expected to remain a focal point as McLaren continues developing its car and both drivers gain more experience, promising more electrifying races and headline moments in upcoming seasons.
