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via Reuters

via Reuters

The cutthroat nature of Formula 1 makes it a rare feat to see close friendships on the grid. In the Netflix series, Drive To Survive, we witnessed many exaggerated rivalries between drivers. Following the French GP Qualifying, the American streaming service might just have another clip featuring Max Verstappen for the upcoming season 5.


It was a thrilling qualifying session at Le Castellet. The reigning world champion was arguably the favorite to grab pole position in the session. However, he couldn’t match the pace set by the driver in the red overalls, Charles Leclerc.

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Another driver who put himself in the spotlight was Lando Norris. At the dying stage of the Q3 session, the Brit popped up into P5 and delivered an incredible lap for the Papaya team. He split the two Mercedes cars on the grid and starts the race in a very competitive position.

After the checkered flag dropped, Verstappen and Norris, on their cool-down laps, congratulated each other for a great day at the office. In the middle of his wave to the McLaren driver, the Dutch driver quickly switched hands on his steering wheel and then flipped him off as a sign of banter.

READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton Revels in French GP Success; F1 World Rejoices

Remarkably, these two have shared a garage with arguably the biggest prankster on the F1 grid, Daniel Ricciardo. One can only wonder if this is the honey badger effect on the future stars of F1.

Lando Norris a fanboy of Max Verstappen

The Briton debuted in 2019 at the Australian Grand Prix and finished his rookie season with 49 points. From the get-go, his race craft and driving ethic showed signs of promising talent. In recent years, he has continued to hone his skills and now has become the driver to watch out for at every Grand Prix.

In a former interview with Sky Sports, the 22-year-old took a trip down memory lane. He looked back at a picture of him and the Red Bull driver from their days competing in karting championships. He revealed how he was in the awe of his fellow F1 superstar.

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He said “Max was the kind of guy I looked up to at that stage. Being so young because he basically won everything he ever did, I guess to get a photo with him here was pretty cool.”

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Watch This Story: Max Verstappen: ‘Is my title tarnished? Not at all. I really deserved it’

Verstappen clinched the crown of F1 in 2021, while Norris is yet to win his maiden Grand Prix. However, time and time again, the Brit has shown signs of being ‘world championship material’ and can be a thorn in the side of the Dutchman in the near future.