Norris Urged to Up Aggression in Battle with Verstappen

Former F1 drivers suggest Norris toughen up if he hopes to dethrone Verstappen in his pursuit of the championship.

Two former F1 drivers believe Lando Norris must adopt a more aggressive approach if he aims to clinch the championship in 2024.

As debates swirl around accusations of bias toward Red Bull, inconsistent stewarding, Max Verstappen’s racing style, and track limits, McLaren announced last Sunday in Austin that it would not appeal the contentious penalty given to Norris for his on-track clash with Verstappen.

McLaren’s frustration with this penalty, however, has been echoed by numerous insiders within F1.

“The penalty was incomprehensible,” said former F1 driver Jean Alesi. “Max avoids turning when he’s overtaken.”

“He’s the one who forces the McLaren off the track. Where was the gain for Lando?”

“The advantage lay in Max’s extreme defense, which was rewarded.”

Possibly emboldened by such analysis, McLaren backtracked in Mexico, requesting that the FIA re-evaluate Norris’s penalty, which widened his points deficit to Verstappen to 57 points with five races remaining.

The “right of review” will be considered in Mexico this Friday.

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, however, believes Norris should have been more assertive in his wheel-to-wheel battle with Verstappen—and in general.

“If Lando wants to stand up to Verstappen, he needs to be a bit more aggressive. Anything less won’t work against Max.”

“Lando’s start in Austin was excellent, but he braked far too tentatively after that. He was probably worried about missing the apex. This is an area he urgently needs to improve: his ability to make that final decision in a duel.”

Another former F1 driver, Christian Klien, commented: “I don’t understand Norris. He has nothing to lose, given the large points gap to Verstappen.”

“If he wins the title by giving everything he’s got, he’ll be hailed as a hero. But no one will blame him if he doesn’t manage to beat the best driver of the moment.”

When asked if he lacked aggression, Norris was candid and self-critical (read more here).

“It’s a difficult question, and far more complex than just saying ‘yes.’ Should I change something? Yes. Is everything I do wrong? No.”

Regarding the paddock controversy over Norris’s penalty in Austin, Verstappen believes he is the one suffering from bias—at least in the British press.

“I have the wrong passport,” the Dutchman stated. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m very happy with my passport. But in this regard, having another one would be helpful.”

Mercedes driver George Russell—a Brit—also criticized Verstappen’s racing tactics against Norris at Austin.

“Looking at Lando’s penalty, I think it was probably justified. But Max should probably also have received a penalty for going off the track.”

“I don’t think George should be too concerned with others,” retorted Verstappen. “Focus on yourself. Enjoy your life. Don’t always think about racing.”

“If you’re fighting for the title, you have to perform at your best in every race. I always try to get the maximum result. That’s why I’m here, after all.”