Ralf Schumacher: “I doubt Max Verstappen and Lando Norris are still friends, they no longer fly together”. Ralf Schumacher expresses serious doubts about whether a good relationship remains between Verstappen and Norris.

Tensions in Recent Races
As seen over the past few years and in the first half of this season, there has always been a good friendship between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, despite their battles on the track. However, their fights have grown increasingly intense, driven by the stakes—the world championship—and the nature of their duels. Incidents, such as those sparking controversy in Austin and Mexico, seem to have created tension between McLaren’s #4 and the reigning world champion, as reflected in comments made before the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend.

Few Smiles Off the Track
Specifically, Max Verstappen has never suggested he would change his aggressive driving style, which Lando Norris described as “dangerous” during the Mexican GP. Lando Norris even downplayed Max Verstappen’s comeback from 17th to victory in the rain at São Paulo, attributing it more to “luck” than skill. Friendship is hard to maintain in Formula 1, as history shows, especially when fighting for the world title. Now, Ralf Schumacher, brother of Michael and commentator for Sky Deutschland, expresses serious doubts about whether their good relationship remains: “I’m not at all sure that the friendship still truly exists,” the 49-year-old former Williams driver clearly stated to formel1.de.

A Lost Habit
While mutual respect endures, Ralf Schumacher has noticed the disappearance of another sign of their previous camaraderie: “I was surprised because, in the last few races, they haven’t flown together as they usually did,” he observed. “But I understand it; it’s hard to keep a friendship going when you’re really competing for the World Championship and the top positions, as they both are.” – the former Formula 1 driver concluded.