Lando Norris and Max Verstappen joked about the state of their relationship during pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit.

The two title hopefuls shared a number of feisty on-track battles during the 2024 campaign, with notable clashes arriving in Austria and Mexico. These fights could have strained relations between the pair, but they remain good friends away from the racetrack despite sharing ambitions of becoming world champion in 2025.

When asked about the state of their friendship during the midday press conference in Bahrain on Thursday, Verstappen sarcastically replied: "Yeah, it is a terrible relationship. We don't on anymore. It has taken its toll. Yeah, big drama now, big problems."

Norris chimed in: "We had a fight the other day in a local pub," before the reigning champion added: "We had to get escorted! I always say, 'You should have seen the other guy', but he actually looks good!"

When the giggling died down, Norris answered the question on a more serious note. "Yeah, it's fine," he said. "I think we both look forward to more of it - more of last year, more battles. I don't think it is just going to be us.

"I think there is going to be others involved, which will make it more exciting for everyone. But yeah, I know they are going to be tough battles, and I'm sure some of them are not always going to end the way I want, or hopefully [the way] Max wants.

"But we're racing drivers. We get along; we've always said those kinds of things. I know everyone tries to make their points and say what is correct and what is not correct, but we respect each other a lot and we look forward to racing each other on track."

As mentioned by Norris, the two leading men from 2024 will face increased competition in 2025. Most notably, Ferrari should enter the fold with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc both hunting the Scuderia's first Drivers' Championship title since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007.

Norris will likely face a fierce rival from within his own camp, too. McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri has set his sights on the title this year after he was resigned to a second-driver role during the latter stages of the 2024 campaign.