The Formula 1 grid has always been littered with bright prospects and really talented racing drivers. That being said, the current crop of young drivers on the grid is arguably one of the best we’ve seen cumulatively in this sport. Lando Norris is the breakthrough candidate in this pack. The young McLaren driver has shown his sublime skills and confidence behind the wheel of an F1 car, however, he gains most of his confidence from a fellow competitor. The man we’re talking about is none other than 2x champion, Max Verstappen.

Both Norris and Verstappen share a very cordial relationship with each other. Some may even call them good friends. That being said, Norris is in fact a few years junior to the Dutch lion. For the 23-year-old, Verstappen is someone he looks up to in the paddock. And there is one very specific reason for this.

Lando Norris reveals Max Verstappen’s biggest strength

Norris has always been a proponent of mental health. Naturally, the British racing ace has himself gone through a few rough patches in this sport and is currently in a rut with McLaren. But for him, Verstappen is an example of how perseverance and experience pay off in Formula 1.

The Race quoted him as saying, “If you see Max from where he was a few years ago, he was a guy who did make a lot of mistakes. He crashed a lot. Everyone was saying how much all over the place he was and look at him now, how composed he looks, how professional he looks.”

“I’m not saying I feel like I’m in that first position now. But it was just to give me confidence. Because generally, it was something I struggled a lot with, just having that clarification of will I be here in three years’ time, four years’ time, five years’ time?” concluded the Brit.

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And while Norris looks up to Verstappen as an example of success, the Dutch driver seems to reciprocate the camaraderie.

Max Verstappen gives his honest opinion on Norris

Oftentimes, the paddock can become a toxic place. These 20 drivers are naturally uber competitive. Hence, bad blood among these rivals is a common occurrence in the paddock. But it would appear that the bond both Norris and Verstappen share is an exception.

Verstappen told the Daily Mail, “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.”

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With increasing chatter about Norris’ McLaren future, can we see the duo of Norris and Verstappen light it up at Red Bull?