Verstappen Reveals Norris Was Invited to Join Him at Red Bull

Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion, has revealed that he once extended an invitation to his friend and fellow driver Lando Norris to join him as a teammate at Red Bull.

The Dutch driver secured his fourth consecutive championship during the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, where he finished fifth, just ahead of Norris in sixth place. This marked a pivotal season for both drivers, with Norris entering his first-ever championship battle.

For Verstappen, competing against a close friend added a new layer to his dominant campaign. Despite Norris falling short, Verstappen commended his friend’s strong performance and shared details of a lighthearted invitation for Norris to consider joining Red Bull in the past.

Encouragement and an Offer

“I’ve spent quite a lot of time with Lando in the past,” Verstappen explained. “So, when I was winning, and he wasn’t, I would always tell him, ‘Your time will come. Stay committed to the process. I think you’re in a good team environment.’

“I jokingly invited him to join me at Red Bull at the time. I said, ‘If you want to win, you can always come here.’

“But I’m happy for him. He’s had a great season. Maybe things didn’t fully go his way this year, but that’s part of the journey. You make mistakes, you learn from them, and the real test is how you overcome them.”

A Relationship Built on Respect

Although Verstappen and Norris maintain a friendly relationship, Verstappen clarified their bond isn’t overly close: “We’re friends, but not best friends. It’s not like I call him every day. We each have our own close circles, as you do when you grow up. But there’s mutual respect between us, and I admire him.”

As one of the standout performers of the 2023 season, Norris has proven his potential as a future championship contender. Verstappen, who continues to dominate Formula 1, expressed confidence in Norris’ ability to overcome setbacks and eventually achieve success at the highest level. 

“I respect the way he approaches the sport and the effort he puts in. His time will come, and when it does, I’m sure he’ll shine,” Verstappen added.

Red Bull’s Dominance and Future Possibilities

The Red Bull team, spearheaded by Verstappen, has consistently delivered superior performances, making it a coveted destination for any driver. While Norris remains committed to McLaren, Verstappen’s comments highlight the camaraderie and mutual admiration that exists among rivals in Formula 1.

This intriguing revelation underscores the deep respect between two of the sport’s brightest stars and hints at the possibilities that could reshape the grid in the future.