Norris Calls Out Verstappen: Fair Racing Impossible?

Lando Norris questions the fairness of battling Max Verstappen, suggesting his rival crossed the line in recent on-track clashes.

Lando Norris had excellent pace, especially in the second half of the race yesterday in Mexico. Without losing time behind Max Verstappen, could the McLaren F1 driver have aimed for victory? We’ll never know.

In any case, the Briton is “very, very satisfied” after the Mexican race, which showed a resurgence in his McLaren F1’s form.

“I’m happy with this second place.”

“Normally, I wouldn’t be, but things could have been much worse, especially at the start of the race. Keeping the car in one piece and staying in the race was crucial.”

Without his incidents with Max Verstappen, Lando Norris believes he could have challenged Carlos Sainz for the win…

“Our pace was extremely strong. It’s a shame to have lost so much time in the first stint because of the battles. If I had been more in the mix, our chances would have been better. Carlos managed his first stint very well, already building a 15-second gap. I had a lot to make up for. But it was a good race.”

“The car was performing well. Our pace, especially in the second stint—not so much in the first, but definitely in the second—was very good and gave me hope of competing with the Ferraris. They dominated this weekend, so it’s a good race. I would have loved to be on the top step of the podium, but I am very satisfied.”

Verstappen got what he deserved, according to Norris

If Lando Norris lost so much time in the first stint, it was due to that battle with Max Verstappen on lap 10. What happened in turns 4 and 8? Was Max Verstappen fairly penalized with those 20 seconds?

“Not much to say. It’s quite clear. I followed the rules, adhered to the guidelines, but it wasn’t enough. He received penalties for that. As I’ve mentioned in other interviews, I always expect a tough battle with Max.”

“Whether he wins or comes second, his sole aim is to beat me, and he’ll sacrifice himself to do so, as he did today. I enjoy battling with him, tough but fair battles. This wasn’t clean and fair racing. He got what he deserved.”

Was Max Verstappen tougher against Lando Norris in Mexico than in Texas last week?

“Probably, yes.”

Should Lando Norris have a frank discussion with Max Verstappen to express his views on his driving?

“We discuss various things. But here, I felt like I had to avoid collisions, which isn’t something you should feel during a race. He’s in a strong position in the championship. Some say he has everything to lose, but that’s not the case. I’m focused on myself, on my work, which was good. It’s not my role to control him; he knows how to drive. He probably knows he crossed the line yesterday.”

Psychologically, this time the confrontation was won by the McLaren F1 driver. Should Max Verstappen be more cautious at the next Grand Prix in Interlagos: Is Lando Norris satisfied with that?

“I’m not pleased about that, but about my second place. In Austria, I think neither of us should have been penalized. Maybe I see things differently now. In Austin, I think neither of us should have been penalized. Let’s say we both made mistakes. This time, it was different. I was ahead of Max under braking, after the apex. I avoided the collision. That’s the difference. I can’t speak for him, but he crossed the line. It was clear to the stewards. I don’t see it as a victory, but I hope Max realizes he went too far.”

Is it even possible to compete fairly with Max Verstappen in the last four races of the season?

“I’ve always raced fairly. It’s my style, my way of driving. Maybe I’ve missed opportunities by being too fair and not aggressive enough, but I need to find a better balance. These races against the best drivers teach you a lot about attacking, defending, risk management, and aggression. On my end, I don’t need to worry about him. I’ll do my best, race fairly. If he doesn’t, it will end up like it did in Mexico. I think he wants fair battles too. All I can do is keep driving the way I do, and we’ll see how it goes.”

“At turn 7, he went very far off the track. I didn’t need to let him through. I was ahead at the braking point at turn 4, I avoided contact, and it was the same at turn 7. What I didn’t understand is that he overtook off track. He says he follows the rules. Today, he broke those rules by overtaking outside the track limits.”

Is the title still possible?

Lando Norris gained 10 points on Max Verstappen, but nearly two wins still separate the two drivers. Does the McLaren F1 driver still believe in the title?

“I’m still 47 points behind, so I don’t really feel any closer. Every point counts. Charles took the point for the fastest lap, but… I focus on my own job, and the team focuses on ourselves. A lot of people are against us, but we keep pushing forward.”