'Want to win? Come to Red Bull!' - Max Verstappen's blunt invitation sparks F1 buzz

Max Verstappen, fresh off his fourth consecutive Formula 1 driver’s title, revealed a surprising chapter in his Formula 1 friendship. In a recent media interaction, Verstappen spoke about his relationship with Lando Norris. During the chat, Verstappen revealed how once he extended an invitation to Norris to join him as a team-mate at Red Bull.

While Verstappen clinched the 2024 championship in Las Vegas, finishing fifth ahead of Norris in sixth, their mutual respect remains a standout storyline in an intense season. Verstappen, who battled a friend for the title for the first time in his career, shared that his bond with Norris goes beyond the track.

"I’ve spent a lot of moments with Lando before," he said, reflecting on their camaraderie. "When I was already winning and he wasn’t, I told him, ‘Your time will come. Stick to the process.’ I even told him, ‘If you want to win, you can come here [to Red Bull] as well.’"

‘He had a great season’, Verstappen praises Lando Norris

Lando Norris, competing in his first title-contending season, pushed Verstappen harder than many anticipated. Despite falling short of the crown, Verstappen commended his friend’s performance. "He had a great season," Verstappen noted. "Not everything went his way, but that’s part of the journey. You make mistakes, you learn, and it’s about how you bounce back."

Their friendship, while strong, isn’t one of daily interactions. "We are friends now," Verstappen clarified. "We’re not best friends calling each other every day, but there’s a lot of respect." This respect has endured despite some on-track clashes, including tense moments in Austin and Mexico City that raised questions about their rivalry.

Verstappen also pointed out the role of media in amplifying tensions. "The media sometimes asks silly questions, or we give pressured answers during the championship fight," he said. "Fans then misinterpret comments, thinking they’re disrespectful, but from my side, we respect each other a lot."

Looking ahead, Verstappen believes Norris’s time to claim a title is inevitable. "He’s a great guy, a great driver, and I’m sure his time will come to win titles." The season may have tested their friendship, but Verstappen and Norris have shown that fierce competition and mutual respect can coexist—both on and off the track.