Lando Norris didn't take kindly after hearing Max Verstappen called his "BFF" in a frosty end-of-season media scrum.
The topic was raised as the Brit spoke to reporters after the final race of the 2023 season in Abu Dhabi. Naturally, the topic of his future came up given persistent links with a Red Bull move have never gone away.
Such a switch would see him partner Verstappen, with whom Norris has always got along very well. But he gave a stern response when that was pointed out to him by one reporter.
"He's not my BFF. Don't ever say that again," snapped the McLaren star. "We respect each other and we get along, kind of friends away, but that's it. We just have a lot of respect for one another."
Norris admitted earlier this year that it is flattering to be linked with a move to the best team on the grid. But he has also made it clear that his preference would be to win races and compete for titles with McLaren if possible.
The Brit admits there is a lot of work to be done before his current employer will be able to truly challenge. He added: "Their car is phenomenal. Red Bull are doing an amazing job as they have done the last few years so for anyone to catch them it's going to be a massive step.
"They're not just quicker in pace, they're a lot better degradation. And Max is one of the best drivers so it's a tough combination to beat. But I feel like we're almost getting what we need to give it a chance."
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Despite Norris' attempts to play down his relationship with Verstappen, there really is no hiding the fact they get along very well. And Verstappen even said earlier this year: "I get on really well with Lando because he is just himself and normal. He is my best friend on the grid.
"He loves what he is doing. I could see clearly from years ago in go-karting that he was very quick - though we never raced against each other. Everything just came to him really naturally as a driver. Good performances were not just one-offs or hit and miss - he was always up at the front.
"So it was clear he was always going to be here. Some people are quick but don't know why or how to explain it. Lando knows what he is doing, and that is good for McLaren. When he first joined F1 he was a bit overwhelmed. Lando can be a little shy but he is a super nice guy and you can see, from year one to now, how he has grown as a person - and that helps his performance because he has more confidence in himself."