Lando Norris downplays friendship with Max Verstappen: ‘I don’t talk to him’

Norris will start Saturday’s sprint race in Brazil from second, two places ahead of Verstappen

Lando Norris has promised not to treat Max Verstappen “like s***” – despite playing down his friendship with the driver he is bidding to dethrone as world champion.

Norris will start Saturday’s sprint race at the Brazilian Grand Prix from second, two places ahead of Verstappen, after Oscar Piastri sealed a last-gasp pole position in the other McLaren.

Norris looked on course to take top spot throughout qualifying only to be gazumped by Piastri with the Australian’s final throw of the dice. Norris failed to improve on his final outing to allow Piastri to snatch the honours by just 0.029 seconds.

Norris is unlikely to be satisfied by the result, but he will draw comfort from McLaren’s speed, and the expected assistance of his team-mate in Saturday’s 24-lap dash to the flag in Interlagos.

McLaren have already declared Norris will be prioritised over Piastri, who is no longer in the championship mix.