Ralf Schumacher has cast doubt on the friendship between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, suggesting their fierce 2024 F1 title fight may have fractured their bond. Known for their camaraderie, including traveling together and online gaming, Verstappen and Norris have reportedly become more distant. 

Schumacher pointed to recent incidents—a crash at the Austrian GP and near-misses in the U.S. and Mexico—as signs of rising tension between the former friends. “I’m not at all sure that the friendship really exists even now,” Schumacher told formel1.de.com, adding that he was surprised to see they no longer fly to races together. He explained, “It’s hard to stay friends when you’re fighting for the championship and top positions as fiercely as they are.” As title rivals, the intense on-track competition seems to have taken a toll on their relationship.