Lando Norris' stance on Max Verstappen clear to see after 'aggressive' claim
Lando Norris has opened up on his rivalry with Max Verstappen, with the McLaren driver making his feelings towards the Red Bull star very clear
Lando Norris has candidly shared his thoughts on Max Verstappen as they gear up for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix. Despite their friendship off the track, the two have had their share of clashes during races.
Their competitive tension peaked at last year's Mexico City Grand Prix, where Verstappen was at the center of two significant controversies. Verstappen first braked late, pushing Norris wide as the McLaren driver tried an outside pass. Shortly after, Verstappen made a daring inside move on Norris, causing both to veer off the track.
Verstappen received two 10-second penalties and faced heavy criticism for his aggressive driving tactics.
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At the recent Spanish Grand Prix, Verstappen collided with George Russell following instructions from Red Bull to let him pass. Post-race, Norris poked fun at Verstappen's assertive style, quipping: "I've done that before... in Mario Kart."
In anticipation of the race in Canada, Norris provided a measured take when asked about his rivalry with Verstappen.
"I don't think he's done anything untoward towards me," Norris stated to BBC Sport. "He's raced against me very, very toughly, as he has the right to do. He's made my life very, very tough at times. And he has the right to do that.
"I've said it many times, I have a lot of respect for Max. The driver he is, the person he is, what he stands for all of the time. And what he's achieved, his four world championships. That's four more than me, and he's had a lot more race wins than me.
"I admire those stats, those performances. But at the same time, everyone does what they believe is best. Everyone does what they believe is right. And they race for themselves.
"Some may be more aggressive than others. But everyone has flaws. I have them. Maybe he has them. I race in the aggressive way I believe is correct, and he does the same. The stewards are the ones who decide what is right and wrong."
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Norris noted that opting for a safer racing strategy can often be wiser, particularly when up against someone as assertive and unyielding as Verstappen.
"When you're racing for wins, championships, against the best in the world, you can never expect things to be easy," he continued. "You learn in go-karting that you can't at all easily overtake around the outside.
"That is like rule number one, but it can be done and it will be done. The number one goal for us is always to finish. Sometimes, when you try too hard, things can go wrong.
"You might end up not finishing the race, even though you might be in the right, so sometimes you've got to take the safer approach."
