"We kind of grew up together": Lando Norris on why the 61x F1 race winner is one of the closest to him on the current grid

Lando Norris recently talked about how Max Verstappen is one of his closest friends in the F1 paddock. He also mentioned Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, whom he worked with in McLaren.

Though Lando Norris and Max Verstappen are currently in a title battle against each other, it is widely known that they are good friends off the track. They have been spotted flying together to and from Grand Prixs, partying in clubs, and even playing on the simulator.

Speaking to F1.com, Norris initially said that he has worked closely with Carlos Sainz. However, he named the 61-time race winner, Max Verstappen, as his closest driver friend he has not worked with. The British driver then explained how he had known Verstappen for more than a decade now.

"I mean, I’ve worked and probably been closest to Carlos, but for people that I’ve not worked with, I’m probably closest to Max, I would say. Just because we kind of grew up together-ish, we knew of each other many, many years ago, 2012, 2013," Norris said.

Norris said that even though he has not teamed up with the Red Bull star, he admits that he respects the three-time world champion and has a good relationship with him.

"I’ve never actually worked with Max or been in the same team or anything like that, but I’ve always had a good, respectful relationship with Max. I would probably say Carlos and Max," he concluded.

Before Lando Norris signed a long-term contract with McLaren, there were rumors that the British driver was approached by Red Bull. Norris' move to the Austrian team could have led to him racing alongside his good friend, Verstappen.

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Max Verstappen labeled Lando Norris as his 'best friend on the grid'

F1 Grand Prix of Hungary - Qualifying - Source: Getty

Back in March 2023, Max Verstappen said that McLaren's Lando Norris was one of his best friends on the grid. He explained how the McLaren driver is honest and true to himself, which Verstappen liked. The Red Bull driver recalled his go-karting days with Norris and praised the British driver for being a naturally talented driver.

"I get on really well with Lando because he is just himself and normal. He is my best friend on the grid. He loves what he is doing. I could see clearly from years ago in go-karting that he was very quick - though we never raced against each other. Everything just came to him really naturally as a driver," Verstappen told Daily Mail.

In the middle of the 2024 F1 season up until now, Lando Norris has risen in the drivers' standings and has started to put pressure on Max Verstappen. Both are in a title battle at the moment, with the reigning world champion leading the table with 303 points and the McLaren driver in second with 241 points.