Lando Norris declares 'I hate everyone' and hits out at 'nonsense' Max Verstappen's...

Lando Norris declares ‘I hate everyone’ and hits out at ‘nonsense’ Max Verstappen’s…read more

Lando Norris has made it clear that his friendship with Max Verstappen will not hold him back as they battle for the 2024 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship. The McLaren driver, known for his friendly off-track demeanor, insists that once he puts on his helmet, he “hates everyone” on the track, regardless of personal relationships. As the F1 season enters its final stages, Norris is determined to push for the title, despite being close friends with his main competitor, Verstappen.

The rivalry between Norris and Verstappen has intensified as the season progresses, with Verstappen holding a 52-point lead at the top of the standings. However, Norris has been closing the gap in recent weeks, thanks to significant improvements in his McLaren car. The final six Grands Prix of the season promise to be fiercely contested, with both drivers giving their all in pursuit of the world title.

In an interview with The Athletic, Norris emphasized that his competitive spirit takes over once he’s on the track, and his friendships don’t influence his performance. “As soon as I put the helmet on, I hate everyone. That doesn’t change,” he said. “A lot of people think that because I get along with someone or just play video games with someone, that you’re best mates in life no matter what. That’s just nonsense.”

While Norris has a strong off-track relationship with Verstappen, the British driver is keen to make it clear that their friendship doesn’t extend to race day. The two enjoy playing padel together and share other interests, but Norris sees this as added motivation to outperform his rival. “I think the people you get along with more off the track are the people you want to beat more on the track,” he explained. “It’s the opposite thought to what a lot of people have. They think because you’re mates, you’re too nice on the track. I think it’s the complete opposite.”

Norris’s words come at a critical time in the championship. Verstappen, who is aiming for his fourth consecutive world title with Red Bull, started the season in dominant form. However, recent races have seen the tide shift in Norris’s favor. In the last race in Singapore, Norris crossed the finish line more than 20 seconds ahead of Verstappen. In fact, since the Belgian Grand Prix in July, the Red Bull driver has not finished ahead of Norris, raising the stakes even further for the remainder of the season.

With only six races left, both drivers will have plenty to contemplate before they return to action. The next race will take place at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas, kicking off a triple-header of Grands Prix in the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. These three races will be critical in determining the outcome of the championship, as the two friends-turned-rivals prepare to face off in what promises to be an electrifying finale to the 2024 F1 season.

Norris, despite his camaraderie with Verstappen, is not about to go easy on his friend. His focus is squarely on winning the championship, and he’s ready to fight for every point, even if it means putting his friendship on hold for the remainder of the season.