Lando Norris tempers frictions with Max Verstappen, citing high adrenaline levels, while also eyeing a repeat victory at Silverstone.
Will Lando Norris and Max Verstappen Clash on the Track Again This Weekend at Silverstone?
Naturally, the paddock will be closely monitoring the developments in the relationship between the McLaren F1 driver and the Red Bull driver. Friends off the track, though less so since the Red Bull Ring, are the two most spirited drivers of the year at risk of clashing again given their closely matched performances?
As a result, will Lando Norris change his approach towards Max Verstappen? Will he be gentler, less aggressive to avoid risking a retirement?
“We want to race hard against each other, and we both know that,” Lando Norris shares today before the Grand Prix at Silverstone.
“But we absolutely do not want things to end as they did. We want to make sure we avoid that in the future.”
After the race in Austria, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris did not return on the same plane, breaking from their usual practice.
A sign of tension between the two friends? Has Norris been able to talk to Max since?
“We’ve texted… We’ll talk, of course, because I think that’s the right thing to do. But beyond that, what we discuss and how it goes is between us.”
Can Lando Norris move past the maneuver at the Red Bull Ring and maintain his friendship with Max Verstappen?
“I think so, as we’ve said repeatedly, because of the respect we’ve always had. I’m not going to let something like this upset everything all at once.”
“It’s certain that adrenaline probably got the better of some comments. I don’t think everything I said was as correct as it needed to be.”
“But I was fighting for one of my first victories; it was my second victory at stake. For Max, it’s his 60th win. What that means for me is very different from what it means for him.”
“So of course, I’m going to be upset and maybe say things that aren’t right or don’t match what I’d like them to be said, but it’ll be okay.”
In general, Max Verstappen is one of the toughest drivers on the grid. How to beat him on the track without sacrificing half of your parts?
“That’s a good question because there’s no simple answer.”
“You have to understand what he’s thinking, how he thinks, that sort of thing; that’s the mentality you have to go in with.”
“It’s something I have to prepare for by watching previous races. Roles need to be clear and defined in all areas. But you have to be ready to give as good as you get; it’s as simple as that.”
“I’m certainly one of the first to have known and understood that even before trying to race with Max. You know you’re going into one of the biggest battles you can have and that it won’t be easy in any way. And I don’t want it to be easy.”
“I love that. It was nerve-wracking. It was exciting. Even for me, in the car. My eyes were wide open. I loved it. Even though I wished it were a bit easier, I loved it, and it was challenging, and that’s why I do what I do.”
Norris Fully Trusts McLaren F1 and Andrea Stella
Nonetheless, if Norris has such pressing questions (like how to defeat Max Verstappen), it’s because his McLaren F1 is at least on par with Red Bull.
“We’re battling against—everyone says—the most competitive car in history and one of the best drivers in the history of F1, if not the best. A very competitive team.”
“To face one of these groups or one of these teams generally requires everything to go almost perfectly, and it’s nearly there. But it’s the last 1% that counts. It comes a bit from the car, a bit from me.”
Lando Norris’s bet to extend his contract with McLaren F1 long-term is now fully vindicated. A relief for the British driver.
“I signed the contract with McLaren because I had a lot of confidence in myself—and that’s not something I’ve often had. But I felt the time was right.”
“I finally had a better idea of what it takes to try to be a world champion and have a race car, what’s needed, and what we had.”
“And we are not far off. We still have work to do, but we are closer than ever. It’s a combination of several things, but in my eyes, Andrea (Stella) has been the biggest key.”
A Second Home Victory This Weekend at Silverstone?
Lando Norris has the chance to claim his second career victory at Silverstone this weekend. A home win would undoubtedly thrill the English fans.
“If I could win anywhere and just once, it would be at Silverstone…”
“I’m very, very excited. Simply because there are the fans, the atmosphere, the feeling you get, the smiles on faces. I’m just excited by all of that. It gives you a feeling and an energy you don’t get anywhere else.”
“I’m looking forward to it. And knowing that we might step onto another podium or win a race, that motivates everyone a bit more.”
Norris Eyes Another Win at Silverstone Dream. Norris Eyes Another Win at Silverstone Dream
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