Close friendship likely to be tested as Norris takes the fight to Verstappen

FROM title rivals to doubles partners: for a brief moment this week, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris found themselves on the same team.

- Matt Majendie

Forming a padel doubles partnership on a clay court in the Monaco principality they both call home, the pair traded shots, smiles and frustrations.

Close pals, it is a friendship that has yet to be tested — but it looks increasingly destined to go that way for the remainder of 2024 and beyond.

Norris has only marginally been second-best to Verstappen over the last three races, winning in Miami — his first Formula One race victory — and finishing runner-up to the Dutchman in China and last Sunday at Imola.

In an era when Verstappen has been entirely dominant, it at least offered up the prospect of an actual title fight this season, even though Verstappen is 60 points clear of Norris with five wins from a possible seven in 2024.

When asked if Norris was now a genuine title threat, the three-time world champion said: “Everyone should think like that. After their last few races, McLaren are really in the mix.

“Of course, they are quite a few points down at the moment but, if they suddenly start winning, that can turn around quite quickly.”