Max Verstappen wants to set the record straight – things are totally fine between him and Lando Norris, despite what you might have seen on social media.
The four-time world champion opened up about their relationship on the latest episode of Talking Bull podcast, addressing the drama that unfolded during the 2023 season.
Their rivalry hit its first real bump at the Austrian Grand Prix when they collided while fighting for the lead. More incidents followed in the US and Mexico, with things getting especially heated after Verstappen picked up two time penalties in Mexico City.
But Verstappen says it’s all been blown way out of proportion.
“People always make it really a lot worse on social media,” he explained. “There are a lot of idiots on that platform that always have something to say, something to complain about.”
The 27-year-old Dutch driver isn’t letting the online noise get to him. “There are a lot of positive people, but also some proper idiots. I think it’s better just to ignore all of that.”
What’s the real story? According to Verstappen, he and Norris actually get along great off the track.
“Of course, at times it got a bit tense on track but off the track, that shouldn’t matter,” he said. “You’re fighting for the World Championship. I think it’s normal that these kind of things can happen, but we’re good.”
The conversation then turned to his most incredible race of the season – the Brazilian Grand Prix. Verstappen pulled off what seemed impossible, charging from 17th place to victory in the rain at Interlagos.
But don’t expect him to want another race like that anytime soon.
“I wouldn’t want to relive Brazil because it was so emotionally draining,” he admitted. “My girlfriend Kelly [Piquet] came into my room before the race and normally I’m not really that nervous. But she said my hands were ice cold.”
“These moments are amazing to look at,” he added, “but not to relive.”
