LANDO NORRIS has shown enthusiasm for the ongoing feud between George Russell and Max Verstappen, labeling it as “entertaining.”

The Red Bull champion Verstappen and Mercedes driver Russell have been in a heated exchange of words following the Qatar Grand Prix last week.

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Verstappen, 27, stated he had “lost all respect” for the Brit and described him as insincere after being handed a grid penalty due to Russell’s complaint post-qualifying.

Responding, Russell, 26, shot back ahead of the upcoming Abu Dhabi season finale, labeling the Dutchman a “bully” who threatened to “put his f****** head in the wall.”

The McLaren driver Norris, this season’s last competitor against Verstappen for the drivers’ title, has also had his share of interactions with Russell on the track.

Off the circuit, the 25-year-old has maintained amicable relations with both drivers and chose not to take sides in the rivalry.

Instead, Norris emphasized his own experiences, humorously wishing for the feud to last.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said while chuckling: “I hope it doesn’t get settled, I hope they keep battling and bickering as it’s fun to watch.”

On a more serious note, Norris added: “It varies by driver, as everyone has their own style. I don’t think Max aims to intimidate anyone; he’s simply stating his opinions honestly… Nowadays, people might not appreciate life’s realities.

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“He’s straightforward and shares his thoughts, which I value. Sometimes I may disagree, other times I might agree, but that’s life.

“I hold both Max and George in high regard, but I’m indifferent to whether they lose respect for one another.”

Max Verstappen claims he has ‘lost all respect’ for F1 star George Russell in an explicit rant

Norris also injected humor into the driver drama during the end-of-season dinner.

He shared a photo of all 20 F1 drivers and captioned it: “2024 dinner! And yes, the two you’re thinking about sat as far apart as possible.”

In response to his post, one fan quipped: “Part-time F1 driver, full-time troublemaker.”

Another added: “Lando is giving us exactly what we want.”

A third remarked: “Lando, what a Gossip Girl!”

Former F1 star David Coulthard commented: “Dinner with a side of drama in the caption.”

Verstappen also joined the conversation with a cut of meat emoji.

While the driver’s title has concluded, the constructor’s championship remains competitive, with McLaren holding a 21-point advantage over Ferrari.

In other news, Jack Doohan will step in for Esteban Ocon at Alpine for the season’s final race before taking over full-time next year.

This race will also mark Lewis Hamilton’s farewell to Mercedes after an 11-year tenure with the team, resulting in six world drivers’ titles and eight constructors’ championships.

F1 2025 grid

Here are the confirmed driver line-ups for the F1 2025 season so far:

Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez

Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes: George Russell and Kimi Antonelli

McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll

Williams: Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz

Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto

Alpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan

RB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBC

Haas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon