Lando Norris seeks improvement to challenge Verstappen, but remains frustrated by the FIA’s decision following the Austin Grand Prix.
Lando Norris has stated that he needs to adjust his racing approach against Max Verstappen following their battle in the US.
Norris initially finished third on track at the United States Grand Prix but received a five-second penalty that dropped him behind Verstappen in the final standings, increasing the Dutch driver’s championship lead to 57 points.
The controversial moment of the race occurred when Verstappen, under pressure, was attacked by Norris on the back straight. The McLaren overtook him before the braking zone at Turn 12.
After braking later than Norris, Verstappen moved to the inside, forcing Norris wide as both drivers ran through the escape area, with Verstappen going off line. As Norris maintained momentum on the outside and passed Verstappen, a penalty was issued as a result.
Having yet to win a battle against Verstappen this year, the British driver admitted he feels the need to make adjustments to how he handles duels with the reigning champion.
“It’s not an easy answer,” he said today in Mexico when asked if he needs to be more aggressive.
“Honestly, it’s not as simple as just saying yes. Do I need to make a few changes? Yes, and adapt a bit more. But is everything I’m doing wrong? No. So it’s a tricky position, because as we saw, Max wasn’t bothered whether he finished first, second or third.”
“His only goal was to beat me, and he did. He did a good job on that front, and I enjoyed the battle, and I respected how we fought, but yes, in the end, he still came out on top.”
“I have to beat him – I need to tweak a few small things, but I don’t need to completely change my approach.”
Norris, having chosen not to criticise Verstappen after the race, explained that he and the Dutch driver haven’t spoken since – but this is not out of irritation.
“I haven’t spoken to Max at all because he did what he thought was right, and I did what I thought was right. I still don’t agree, and I think as a team, we still don’t agree. I believe the majority of people watching didn’t agree with the penalty I received.”
“But I’ll make the necessary changes, whether that’s being more aggressive at times, less aggressive, or whatever it takes – I’ll do what I think is right. Max is very good at what he does, and he’s probably the best in the world at it.”
“So, when I’m up against the best in the world, it’s not an easy challenge, and he’s been racing at this level longer than I have.”
“I’m certainly not doing a perfect job, but I’m also not doing a bad one. I’m staying on the right path, avoiding collisions that could easily have turned into much worse situations, like serious accidents and so on.”
“I’ve avoided those and stayed on track in races that could easily have ended much sooner than they did. But no, there are definitely things I don’t agree with, yet I still want to race against him and beat him.”
“I don’t want there to be rules for absolutely everything. I just think the way I received my penalty last weekend and the circumstances around how that happened – I don’t agree with that, and that’s the only thing that needs changing.”
Norris also stated that he still believes in his chances for the world title.
“It’s getting tougher, but Max could have an issue that changes everything. So, I have to keep believing.”
“I’m trying to beat Max. He’s raced against Lewis for titles in those high-pressure environments, more than I have. But I’m learning, and I’m doing my best. I want to win, I want to succeed, and I want to beat Max, so I won’t be happy until I’ve done that.”
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Norris aims to improve in order to challenge Verstappen on track Norris aims to improve in order to challenge Verstappen on track
