Norris sets out expectations for ‘tough’ battles with Verstappen in 2025

Lando Norris is looking forward to further battles with Max Verstappen in 2025 after the pair went head-to-head on more than one occasion last year, with the Briton acknowledging that he expects the fights to be “tough” but respectful.

Norris emerged as Verstappen’s closest rival for the championship during the 2024 campaign, leading to the pair duelling on track several times. This included a particularly close scrap for the lead at the Austrian Grand Prix, which resulted in contact between them, while there were further incidents later on in Austin and Mexico that saw each driver collect penalties.

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At certain times this led to some criticisms being voiced, with Norris stating that he felt “let down” following his collision with Verstappen at the Red Bull Ring, though the 25-year-old later admitted he said some things he “didn’t necessarily believe in” during the heat of the moment.

Speaking to the media on the second day of 2025 pre-season testing in Bahrain, Norris and Verstappen – seated next to each other in the drivers' press conference – were quizzed on how their relationship now stands and what the approach will be to racing one another in the campaign ahead.

Verstappen firstly quipped in response: “Yeah, it’s a terrible relationship – we don’t get on anymore! It’s taken its toll, big drama.” Norris also joined in on the joke, adding: “We had a fight the other day in a local pub!”

On a more serious note, the McLaren driver spoke of his excitement about battling with Verstappen again – but also voiced his expectation that others will be involved in that fight at the front.

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“It’s fine, I think we both look forward to more of last year, more battles,” said Norris. “I don’t think it’s going to be [just] us, I think there’s going to be others involved, which will make it more exciting for everyone.

“I know they’re going to be tough battles and I’m sure some of them are not always going to end the way I want or hopefully Max wants. But we’re racing drivers, I think we get along.

“We’ve always said those kinds of things, I know everyone tries to make their own point and say what’s correct and what’s not correct. We respect each other a lot and we look forward to more racing on track.”

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It comes after Norris ended the first day of pre-season testing at the top of the timesheets, with Verstappen’s Red Bull putting in the third-fastest lap of Wednesday.

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