Max Verstappen & Co. Slapped With Harsh Reality Check as Giant Slayer Emerges From Friendly Camp

Friendly fire is a concept that does not exist in the world of F1, mainly because, once on track, there are no friends. Once the helmet visor is shut, there are no friends, and every driver is a threat, especially your teammate. We have seen multiple instances of this scenario coming to life in F1 and we might just have another scenario brewing in the background. In fact, it could be the reigning world champion Max Verstappen facing this ugly facet of life in F1 as early as 2024 while defending his crown.

Verstappen, on multiple occasions, has admitted his closest friend of the grid is Lando Norris. The two surely get along and we have various instances to back these claims as well. However, with McLaren’s jump in performance after the British GP, the Woking outfit has become a real threat for Red Bull. No team has been able to regularly challenge the untouchable Austrian team as much as McLaren. Dr. Helmut Marko put his stamp on this claim with a concerning statement about the 2024 championship.

As seen on X, Marko said, “We set our pace according to McLaren. It’s scary that it happens on every circuit now. They are our most consistent pursuers and they’re still gaining. It could be a tough battle next year.”

We cannot imagine Norris fighting with Verstappen week in and week out for two reasons. First, whenever he’s got the opportunity to, Lando Norris has been very polite and respectful compared to Verstappen’s aggressive nature. Secondly, does the McLaren package really have what it takes?

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Now, we’re not sure if McLaren’s developmental path will lead them to a championship fight just yet. However, if that does happen and Verstappen finds himself fighting with Norris on the track on a regular basis, which he hasn’t done so far yet, will their friendship stand the test of time?

In fact, this will also put a dent in Red Bull’s plans to poach Norris. If this in fact becomes the case, they might pay attention to Eddie Jordan’s suggestion.

Eddie Jordan suggests Red Bull to partner Max Verstappen with the other McLaren driver

Apart from Verstappen’s superiority, the 2023 season has given exciting insights into the future of many F1 drivers, which definitely included both McLaren men. Both Norris and Oscar Piastri have been phenomenal ever since the upgrade package. We were all aware of Norris’s qualities, but it’s Piastri who has taken the sport by storm. The rookie has announced himself for the world in style and his Qatar GP performance exudes him of any doubt.

This is exactly why, according to former team owner Eddie Jordan, Red Bull should focus on Piastri instead of Norris to secure their future. Jordan has confidence in his claim not only because of Piastri’s recent performances but also some inside information from the past.

Jordan revealed, “Way back in the late 80s with Johnny Herbert and he was managed by Mark Webber’s wife. I’ve had that relationship and understood and I thought she was probably the best and most professional manager of any sports person that I’ve come across. So she tipped me off and said ‘Listen I have to tell you this guy is the real deal.’ I think he is the real deal.”

“Full marks to McLaren, they signed him till 2026 because they needed to, because he will be a sought-after driver. If I was in Red Bull and I was thinking of replacing Checo, he’d be the one I’d have in my mind,” he confessed.

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We are not sure what the future holds for either of them, as it is up to the gods of the silly season to decide. However, if McLaren does manage to bring a fight to Red Bull, we’re absolutely ready for it.