The sprint incident between Max Verstappen and George Russell left the fans, and the paddock divided. Both drivers had equal support from the fans, but their drama had unwavering backing from all the fans of the sport. But for Max, the biggest setback came not from any place but rather from his very close confidante, Lando Norris.
Lando of the Maxlando, a forever budding romance of the paddock, delivered a blow to his bromance partner when he picked George Russell in the battle with Max. After the use of slurs, warnings, and messages from both ends, the Briton seems to have a clear pick as he betrays his longtime mate from Red Bull. Before the main race on Sunday, Lando said during the presentation alongside Russell, “Im actually on your side George, so you’re good.”
“Im actually on your side george, so your good” 😭😭😭
Lando betrayal to max lmaoo hes so funny. pic.twitter.com/bI21YHuOvB
— Leema⁵⁵ (@Halyma221) April 30, 2023
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This left the fans baffled, as Max and Lando have been close ever since they have been on the grid. The Dutchman even had the backing of the McLaren driver when he had to go head-to-head against Lewis Hamilton for the 2021 championship. Possibly, it was his old friendship with Russell that came into play, forcing Lando to back the Mercedes driver instead.
Lando Norris betrays Max Verstappen
The battle between Max Verstappen and George Russell off the track was equally feisty as the one on the track. So, having one pick was quite difficult. For Lando, however, choosing Russell was a no-brainer, as he left Verstappen stranded in the battle, not that the latter needed any help. All of this was pretty shocking for the fans, as it was something that no one had expected.
Did he really said that? 🥹 if so thats so good to hear!
— Guillaume Criquet (@GuillaumeCGVA) April 30, 2023
that's my fucking boy 🧡 https://t.co/C11QEuPUp8
— sophie (@sophscorrigan) April 30, 2023
They’re childhood friends (Lando Alex and George). Lando has said he looked up to the other two back then. I don’t think he’d back Lewis in the same situation though 🙃
— F1 Bangkok (@F1Bangkok) April 30, 2023
Wait what? He actually said that?
— Stefanie (@fastpitstop) April 30, 2023
He doesn't appear to have a particularly high opinion of Max's manners.
— ⌬ Grippo ⌬ 🥶 (@Grippo77) April 30, 2023
The cheers from the Russell and Norris fans were pretty loud. Clearly, the friendship between the two from their beginner racing days is stronger than ever, even as both represent a similar style of racing.
British support the British 💪
— Your Name (@jordon_f1MUFC) April 30, 2023
What happened in that 3 weeks without F1 did the besties fight or??? https://t.co/OatY54zbjq
— Leonise (@its_leo96) April 30, 2023
lando just stirring drama for funsies, he is just like me… https://t.co/DHPbnV3mfR
— hina (@landoscars) April 30, 2023
lando i wasn’t familiar.. https://t.co/P0yKOREbs6
— ً (@hmiltonwdc) April 30, 2023
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Lol even Max’s wife is on GR’s side. https://t.co/PSugvuf1m6
— BlueWhale🐳 (@AbdulDeezeyd) April 30, 2023
On a lighter note, could the betrayal have come following Max’s refusal to play golf with Lando? Or was it the effect of the latter playing a few rounds on the grass with Lewis Hamilton a few weeks ago? We guess; we’ll never know.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Bromance moments between Max Verstappen & Lewis Hamilton
Lando has picked the favorite in the battle. Whom did you back in the entire episode? Drop it in the section below.