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USA Today via Reuters

“He is my best friend on the grid,” How frequently have you heard Max Verstappen say something like this for someone on the grid? The Dutchman, known for his aggressive nature on the track, had once stated that Lando Norris is the driver with whom he “gets along really well with.” However, when they first joined the Formula 1 grid, the pair didn’t get along, though thanks to the internet and precisely sim racing, they have become close friends. Nevertheless, preserving a friendship, however, is a whole different matter than making new acquaintances. And now, before the Hungarian Grand Prix, the British driver has shared the origin of his bromance with Verstappen in one word.

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris appear to have a deep friendship that could surpass the British driver’s bromance with Daniel Ricciardo in terms of standing up for one another, enjoying their time together outside the tracks of Formula 1, and engaging in fierce bouts against one another. The McLaren driver made his racing debut in 2019, and things are going great for him, while Max Verstappen, who has already won two championships, is sailing right along to win a third.

While both drivers are moving in the correct direction with their careers, the development of their friendship over time has left us wondering how it all began and where this bromance came from. To our amazement, Lando Norris revealed the origin of this bromance before Friday’s practice session at the Budapest track.

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While Norris was in top form at the British Grand Prix, passing Max Verstappen for five laps on his upgraded Mclaren, a similar scenario is anticipated at the Hungarian Grand Prix. However, putting those questions aside, the reporter in Hungary instead asked the British driver, ” You have a very good relationship with Max, what is the origin of this so nice relationship?” That received a one-word response from the notorious Norris as he said, “Uh…. me.”

Currently, Max Verstappen is paired with Sergio Perez whose contract is going to expire at the end of 2024, and given the dip in his form there are rounds around the F1 community that the Red Bull is planning to axe Perez. Although nothing has been confirmed, Helmut Marko has something to say about Lando Norris given his friendship with Verstappen, which fits Red Bull’s philosophy.

In light of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris’ friendship RB Taskmaster finds the British driver a perfect fit for Red Bull’s philosophy

Lando Norris was never lacking in talent. It was just a matter of time before the British driver would demonstrate to the world what true commitment signifies once he had access to a competitive vehicle.

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And when Norris held off Max Verstappen on home territory for five laps, it put a rubber stamp on the notion that “by far the strongest of the young drivers.” Helmut Marko recently expressed this identical viewpoint in an interview with Kleine Zeitung.

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Given his friendship with Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s philosophy that being a Red bull driver you have to give a performance, Marko believes Norris can be a perfect fit for Red Bull, “He has a contract at McLaren until 2025 but is by far the strongest of the young drivers. He would also suit Red Bull best because of his youthful character. And it is no secret that Max and he are good friends.”

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WATCH THIS STORY: F1 Stars Max Verstappen & Lando Norris Go Wild With Their Girlfriends in Monaco

Do you think Red Bull will make some arrangements to get Lando Norris from the Papaya Army?

Written by

Aditya Srivastava

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Aditya Srivastava is an F1 writer at EssentiallySports with over two years of writing experience. He developed a keen interest in the sport after the unforgettable Abu Dhabi 2021 race. As a graduate of a premier institute, Aditya is committed to producing high-quality content that is engaging, informative, and accurate.
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Edited by

Varunkumaar Chelladurai