Max Verstappen says his relationship with two friends and rivals in Formula 1 is still good.
The four-time world champion clashed with George Russell in Qatar, where he accused the Mercedes F1 driver of exaggerating a qualifying incident that cost him pole position.
Their row escalated further in Abu Dhabi – the finale of the 2024 season.
When asked on a Red Bull channel show last night if he was still at odds with Russell, Verstappen revealed that things have started to improve.
“Actually… We talked a little after the race in Abu Dhabi. But everything is fine. We’ll come back next year and everything will be fine. You know, Christmas helps everyone, I think. We’ll have forgotten everything that in 2025.”
Another strained relationship for Verstappen this year has been with title rival Lando Norris. The two men have been friends for years, but there have been signs of tension on and off the track, with comments exchanged via the media.
Verstappen, however, said a little tension made “just part of the problem”.
“It’s not a kindergarten, it’s a world championship. The media said we had problems because of fighting for the championship, but that was never the case.”
Verstappen was also asked whether his friendship with Norris had changed over the course of the season.
“Not that I know of, to be honest. We still text each other, see each other. I spoke to him on the phone about changing helmets, that sort of thing.”
Likewise, last night, Verstappen did not deliver anything on the identity of his teammate in 2025 while the media have been waiting since yesterday for official press releases from Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls on next year’s duos.
"I can’t say anything at the moment," insisted the four-time world champion who admitted to being aware.
“Of course, but it’s not my place to make the announcement.”
When asked about Perez’s 2024 season, Verstappen revealed a little more.
“Of course you always have to beat your teammate. But I have always had a very good relationship with all my teammates. The team always wants to have two fast drivers. It is also better for the team if both drivers are ‘hear well.’
Verstappen finally said he did not expect to enter the 2025 season as a favorite.
“It’s not serious. We still have to change a lot of things to become number 1 again. But it’s not serious and maybe sometimes it’s good not to be the favorite at the start of the season.”
