Formula 1 rivalries of yesteryears were a thing to behold. Even as recent as 2017, we’ve seen some great on-track scuffles. Remember Baku 2017? However, the current generation of Formula 1 drivers arguably share a different sort of camaraderie. Max Verstappen and Lando Norris showed this exactly.

Both Lando Norris and Max Verstappen are set to take grid penalties for today’s Belgian Grand Prix. However, both of them showed their competitive side after Qualifying on Saturday. Max Verstappen took pole while Norris was 10th.

Post-qualifying Norris remarked to Verstappen that he was “Only 6 tenths ahead” of former teammate Carlos Sainz. Verstappen was quick to remind Norris that he set that Q3 pole lap on his first run.

Thereafter, Verstappen did not do a second run to save an extra set of soft tires for the race.

Read More: “Don’t Know What Charles Can Do”: Max Verstappen’s Blistering Belgian GP Pace Humbles Even His Toughest Rivals

Verstappen is full of confidence coming into the weekend. A testament to this being his stonking quali lap irrespective of the fact that he was in line to receive grid penalties for taking extra engine components.

Max Verstappen talks about his expectations from the Belgian Grand Prix

Despite taking a grid penalty for a host of engine component changes, Max Verstappen put his Red Bull on pole yesterday. When asked about his hopes for the race, Verstappen was pragmatic but insisted that a podium is not a forlorn hope.

He explained, “Yeah, I mean survive, of course, Lap 1 – that’s the most important [thing]. Then after that I need to pass a few cars before of course you get into a competitive position.”

“I mean, it’s a bit like Hungary as well. Of course we’re a bit further back now, but the basics are the same.”

Verstappen then went on to explain what his expectations are from the race. He said, “I think with the pace we have in the car, I want to move forward, and I want to be at least on the podium.”.

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Starting 15th, can Max Verstappen in the hills of Spa finish in the top 3? Or will Leclerc pull something special out of the bag and spoil the party for the drivers on the front of the grid?