Max Verstappen insists his relationships with Formula 1 rivals George Russell and Lando Norris remain intact despite moments of tension during the 2024 season.
The Red Bull driver clashed with Russell in Qatar over a qualifying incident, sparking furious rebukes and accusations. The feud escalated further in the paddock and beyond during the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
When asked by Servus TV if issues with Russell persist, Verstappen played down the conflict.
"We talked a little bit after the race in Abu Dhabi. But everything is fine," he said. "We'll go again next year and it will be ok. You know, Christmas helps everyone, I think."
Similarly, Verstappen dismissed suggestions that his friendship with Norris has been strained despite their fierce championship battle and comments exchanged via the media.
"This is not kindergarten, this is a world championship," Verstappen stated. "The media said we had problems because of the championship fight, but that was never the case."
In an end-of-year interview with Viaplay, Verstappen reinforced that his relationship with Norris remains strong.
"Not that I'm aware of, to be honest," he said when asked if there is still tension. "We still text, we see each other. I talked to him on the phone yesterday about a helmet swap, these kinds of things."
Verstappen also reflected on his approach to racing, defending his aggressive style as part of his competitive edge.
"I will always make the most of it," he said. "Sometimes you have to cross a line, and I will.
The Dutchman acknowledged his controversial move on Norris in Mexico but expressed no remorse. "I don't regret it. Not at all. I think I gained points there."
"You have to calculate all of that, and not everyone understands that. Not everyone has that mentality," Verstappen added.
Currently sitting on eight super license penalty points, Verstappen said he remains unconcerned about the risk of reaching 12 points, which would result in a one-race ban.
"I just want to drive the way I always drive—I don't care about all of those things."
Verstappen was critical of McLaren's approach to team orders between Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri, referring to the so-called 'Papaya rules.'
"That is a nonsense quote," Verstappen said. "If I heard 'Papaya rules' from my engineer, I would straight away tell him to keep his mouth shut.
"'Allowed to race' is fine, but they should have solved this much easier and better, as a team. They had a very good car, but it also became clear that they still have a lot to learn as a team."
When asked if McLaren missed key opportunities in 2024, Verstappen was unequivocal. "Absolutely, 100 percent," he said, adding that Norris has the potential to become a world champion. "Yes, that too."
Looking ahead to 2025, Verstappen is not expecting to be the favourite.
"But that's ok," he said during Sport und Talk aus dem Hangar-7 on Servus TV. "We still have to change a lot of things to be number one again.
"But that's ok and maybe sometimes it's good not to be the favourite at the start of the season."
