Max Verstappen reveals he invited Lando Norris to Red Bull Racing – The 2024 Formula One season offered fans drama, high-stakes racing and unexpected revelations from some of the sport’s top drivers. One of the most intriguing revelations came from reigning champion Max Verstappen, who revealed that he once invited McLaren’s Lando Norris to join Red Bull Racing.
Their fierce on-track rivalry contrasts sharply with their off-track camaraderie, as Verstappen and Norris have forged a strong friendship despite competing at the pinnacle of motorsport.
The offer that could have changed everything
During a media event in Las Vegas, where Verstappen celebrated another world championship victory, the Dutchman shed light on his relationship with Norris.
“Of course I have shared many moments with Lando,” Verstappen began. Speaking to *RacingNews365*, he recalled past conversations in which he encouraged Norris to persevere, adding, “When I was winning and he wasn’t, I always told him, ‘Your time will come. Hang in there. I think you are in a good team.'”
But Verstappen didn’t stop there…
In what could be a pivotal moment for the sport, he revealed: “I even kindly invited him to be my teammate. ‘If you want to win, you can come here [to Red Bull Racing],'” Verstappen said, although he did not specify when the invitation was extended.
The idea of Norris driving alongside Verstappen is a tantalising what-if scenario for F1 fans. Red Bull Racing, renowned for its dominance in recent years, could have been an even more formidable force with both Verstappen and Norris at the wheel.
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Norris’ 2024 season: Success with limitations
While Norris ultimately stayed with McLaren, his 2024 season demonstrated his growing potential. With three wins, six second places and three third places, he posed a serious challenge to Verstappen. But it wasn’t enough to dethrone the Dutchman. Verstappen’s unrivalled consistency and Red Bull’s superior machinery once again proved insurmountable.
As Norris finished the season as runner-up, Verstappen praised his efforts and acknowledged the challenges his friend faced.
“Maybe not everything went the way he wanted it to this year, but that is just part of the journey,” Verstappen said. “You make mistakes and you learn from them. Now it depends on how he recovers.”
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Looking ahead to 2025
The 2024 season cemented Norris as one of F1’s brightest stars, but his focus must now shift to maintaining his position at the top of the pile.
With the resurgence of Charles Leclerc in a much-improved Ferrari and the ever-present threat of other rivals, Norris cannot afford to lose ground.
Formula One expert Felix Goerner believes the 2025 season could be one of the most competitive in recent history. According to Görner, fans should brace themselves for a “breathtaking” championship battle, with up to four drivers vying for the crown. Norris will undoubtedly be one of them, but he will need to overcome the lessons of 2024 to fully realise his potential.
Verstappen and Norris: Friends, not best friends
Off the track, Verstappen and Norris share a relationship based on mutual respect. Despite their competitive rivalry, the two drivers have formed a bond that transcends the pressures of Formula One. However, Verstappen clarified the nature of their friendship during his comments in Las Vegas.
“We are friends now, not best friends. It’s not like I call him every day. We both have our own best friends. That’s the way life is, isn’t it?” Verstappen said.
“But we are friends. I have a lot of respect for him.”
This balance of camaraderie and rivalry is a hallmark of the modern era of Formula One, where drivers frequently interact on social media and in the paddock while competing fiercely on the track.
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Could Norris ever join Red Bull?
The prospect of Norris joining Red Bull Racing remains one of the most tantalising possibilities for Formula One fans. While Verstappen’s invitation may have been made in a casual or hypothetical context, the idea raises intriguing questions about team dynamics and championship strategy.
Red Bull Racing has long been known for building its team around Verstappen, with the Dutchman serving as the cornerstone of their success.
Bringing in a driver of Norris’ calibre could upset that balance, but it could also take the team to new heights. On the other hand, Norris has shown loyalty to McLaren, a team that has supported his development from rookie to one of the sport’s top drivers.
The road to redemption
When Norris reflects on his 2024 season, he will undoubtedly focus on how to turn his near-misses into victories. His performance this year has shown that he can compete with the best, but consistency and precision will be key if he hopes to dethrone Verstappen in the future.
For Verstappen, the goal remains the same: to continue his reign as F1’s dominant force.
But his acknowledgement of Norris’ talent and willingness to extend an olive branch shows a level of humility and respect that fans rarely see from a reigning champion.
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The legacy of a champion
Max Verstappen’s legacy is already secure, but his willingness to uplift and challenge his rivals speaks volumes about his character. By encouraging Norris and recognising his potential, Verstappen not only cemented their friendship, but added another layer to his storied career.
As the F1 world gears up for 2025, the rivalry – and friendship – between Verstappen and Norris will undoubtedly remain a focal point. Whether as teammates or opponents, these two drivers will shape the future of the sport in exciting and unpredictable ways.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
