Christian Horner: “Max and Lando? Even Fury and Usyk can be friends, but not before the match”. Christian Horner on the on-track rivalry between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris .

Max Verstappen – Lando Norris, friend-rivals
Before regularly clashing on the track, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris used to travel together to and from race circuits, as both reside in Monte Carlo. The two have always shared a great relationship, and their mutual respect has never faltered—though it has been tested. Incidents like those in Spielberg (where Lando Norris demanded an apology from the Dutchman), Austin, and Mexico City showcased Max Verstappen’s aggression, which sets apart a champion from a very good driver.

The four-time world champion recently referred to those who believe his relationship with Norris will crumble due to on-track scuffles as “idiots.” Team principal Christian Horner, using more diplomatic language, reinforced the point.

Christian Horner’s comments
Using Max Verstappen’s relationship with Lewis Hamilton as a starting point, Horner told talkSPORT: “Max and Lewis are very different people; they have distinct personalities and characters. I think there is respect, which is very important, but are they the type of people who would spend Christmas together? Probably not.”

“Max has other friendships in Formula 1. Norris is a good friend of his; they’ve competed in many races together, but inevitably this is put under pressure when racing. Will Tyson Fury be friends with Oleksandr Usyk? Maybe afterward, but certainly not before the match.” – the Red Bull boss concluded.