Norris to ask Verstappen for tips on what makes Ricciardo angry

Lando Norris is to turn to close friend Max Verstappen for tips on how to make Daniel Ricciardo angry ahead of them becoming McLaren team-mates for the 2021 Formula 1 season.

In an unusual scenario, before a wheel has turned in anger this season, Norris already knows he will be partnering Ricciardo next year, with current McLaren team-mate Carlos Sainz heading to Ferrari.

The 21-year-old has revealed turning to Verstappen for the inside track on Sainz given they were team-mates at Toro Rosso for just over a season prior to the Dutchman's promotion to Red Bull after four races of the 2016 campaign.

It will be the same with Ricciardo as the Australian and Verstappen were team-mates for almost three seasons ahead of the former departing to Renault at the end of 2018.

"I know Daniel a little bit more than I knew Carlos going into the season, and what will be going into 2021," said Norris, speaking during a SkySports F1 Instagram interview.

"But there are still a lot of things I don't know, about how he works and how sneaky he is with things, more behind-the-scenes kind of stuff. I'll find out next year.

“Max gives me a lot of good tips. He obviously knew a lot about Carlos, and he knows a lot about Daniel.

"It's part of it, getting to know your team-mate. As much as sometimes you want to get along - and sometimes they don’t - you want to know what their weaknesses are, what their strengths are and so on. If anyone can tell me them then that’s a benefit.

"It's always a mixture. You want to have fun in Formula 1, and that’s what I want to do. But at the same time, everyone knows you have to work well with your team-mate, as a team, but everyone also knows your biggest competitor is also your team-mate."

While Norris and Ricciardo are almost certain to provide numerous comedy moments off-track together given their personalities, the 21-year-old is aware he will need every edge he can get to beat him on track.

“It’s going to be tough," added Norris. "There’s going to be a lot of things I need to learn from Daniel, but whoever has tips on what makes Daniel angry, I’m sure Max will be the guy to ask.”

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