Lando Norris Emerges as Max Verstappen's Fiercest Rival After McLaren's Stunning 2024 Surge
This year's biggest and most unexpected rivalry was between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. At the start of the year, everyone predicted Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc to become rivals in the 2024 Formula 1 season. But McLaren came out of nowhere and took the fight from Ferrari against Red Bull. They successfully won the battle by winning the Constructors World Championship.
But Lando Norris lost his driver's title to Verstappen again during the Las Vegas Grand Prix. But after winning the constructor title for them, Lando promised that next year would be his, predicting his first driver's championship. After 2 years of reign, Max Verstappen was challenged by a rival. It all started during the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull ring when both drivers collided during the race.
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Verstappen vs. Norris Heats Up as Rivalry Intensifies Ahead of 2025 Season
It sparked again in COTA when Max and Lando went off track, and the latter was given a time penalty for overtaking outside the white line. In Mexico, it intensified more as Verstappen pushed Norris off the track and got a 10-second time penalty for it. Many former drivers and critics grilled the Dutch driver for driving aggressively and pushing others out of the track.
Max Verstappen answered all of them by winning big in the rain-soaked Interlagos circuit in Brazil. He then lifted his fourth world title in Las Vegas by finishing ahead of Lando Norris. The British driver started very slowly this year, which is the biggest reason he lost the championship against Max. But next year it is going to be tough for Red Bull and Max to secure the titles as every team looks so strong.
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From Track to Family rivalry
The Verstappen-Norris rivalry seems to get more interesting as Verstappens girlfriend Kelly Piquet's daughter Penelope bonds more with Lando Norris. During the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lando Norris and Penelope were seen together, and she loves to be with Lando more than anyone. She gives a special sticker to Lando and hugs him. She even doesn't allow Lando’s mom to come near them by kicking her.
Even during the podium ceremony after the race, Penelope cheered for Lando Norris. Max Verstappen and Lando were close friends until this year, and the championship rivalry sparked some fire between them. The Brit was always a cool guy surrounded by positivity and laughter. That is why Penelope loves Lando Norris more; it could also light up Max Verstappen to fight against Lando next year with more intensity.
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