![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/73\/590x\/secondary\/Lando-Norris-McLaren-5092662.jpg?r=1701340728606\")
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Lando Norris was unimpressed with one journalist in Abu Dhabi as he batted off claims that he and Max Verstappen were best friends, instructing the media never to label the pair as \u2018BFFs\u2019 again.<\/p>\n
The two drivers have shared some exciting battles on-track this season, but away from the circuit, the pair are often spotted hanging out and sharing each other\u2019s company. Both men enjoy simulator racing and gaming, and they also share some mutual friends in their close circles outside of the world of F1.<\/p>\n
After being described as Verstappen\u2019s \u2018BFF\u2019 by a journalist in Abu Dhabi, Norris hit back saying: \u201cHe\u2019s not my BFF. Don\u2019t ever say that again. We respect each other and we get along, kind of friends away, but that\u2019s it. We just have a lot of respect for one another.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite Norris\u2019 rebuttal, there is plenty of legitimacy to the friendship. Verstappen even discussed what helps the pair get along so well ahead of the 2023 season opener in Bahrain back in March.<\/p>\n
Click here to join our WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive F1 news.<\/strong><\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> Toto Wolff explains drastic Mercedes changes that will give Lewis Hamilton hope[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI get on really well with Lando because he is just himself and normal,\u201d Verstappen told the Daily Mail. \u201cHe is my best friend on the grid. He loves what he is doing. I could see clearly from years ago in go-karting that he was very quick – though we never raced against each other. Everything just came to him really naturally as a driver.<\/p>\n \u201cGood performances were not just one-offs or hit-and-miss; he was always up at the front.\u00a0 So it was clear he was always going to be here. Some people are quick but don\u2019t know why or how to explain it.<\/p>\n \u201cLando knows what he is doing, and that is good for McLaren. When he first joined Formula One he was a bit overwhelmed. Lando can be a little shy but he is a super nice guy and you can see, from year one to now, how he has grown as a person – and that helps his performance because he has more confidence in himself.\u201d<\/p>\n More F1… <\/strong>
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Christian Horner launches \u2018pink Mercedes\u2019 dig after Red Bull come under fire[OPINION] <\/strong><\/p>\n\n