‘We had a fight in a local pub’ – Max Verstappen and Lando Norris open up on F1 rivalry after controversial clashes

LANDO NORRIS and Max Verstappen joked they had a “fight in a local pub” as the duo prepare for another fierce title battle.

The pair locked horns from Miami in May last season, where Norris sealed a maiden win and brought the fight to Red Bull, until Las Vegas where Verstappen was crowned champion in November.

Red Bull dominated the first five races which ultimately left Norris with a mountain to climb, although McLaren won their first Constructors’ Championship since 1998.

When Verstappen was asked about the pair’s relationship yesterday, he joked: “Yeah, it’s a terrible relationship,

“We don’t get on any more. It’s taken it’s toll. Yeah. Big drama.”

McLaren driver Norris, the early bookies’ favourite for the new season, added: “We had a fight the other day in a local pub.”

Verstappen then laughed and replied: “We had to get escorted [out]. I always say, you should see the other guy… but he still looks good, so, whatever.

“Think we both look forward to more of last year, more battles. I don’t think it’s just going to be us.”

An inevitable first collision between Norris and Verstappen arrived in Austria in June which cost them both the lead in the Red Bull Ring, having gone wheel-to-wheel on several occasions.

A battle erupted in Texas when Norris was controversially penalised for a late overtake on Verstappen when they were both off track and the Dutchman came out on top again.

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Norris even called Verstappen “dangerous” when the championship battle reached boiling point at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Verstappen was given two 10-second penalties for his driving against Norris for two incidents in the same lap but still managed to finish sixth.

Norris then delivered a more serious answer, added: “I think there’s going to be others involved, which will make it more exciting for everyone.

“But yeah, I know they’re going to be tough battles and I’m sure some of them are not always going to end the way I want or hopefully Max wants, but we’re racing drivers.

“We get along. We’ve always said those kind of things. I know everyone tries to make their own points and say what’s correct and what’s not correct, but we respect each other a lot and we look forward to more racing on track.”

Verstappen was then asked if he had any more to add, replying with a smirk: “No, that’s beautifully said.”

Pre-season testing began in Bahrain this week, with the first race opener coming up in Melbourne at the Australian Grand Prix on March 14-16.