Lando Norris has expressed that Max Verstappen has not acted improperly during their head-to-head battles on the Formula 1 circuit, even though their on-track encounters have been intense. The McLaren driver acknowledged that Verstappen’s aggressive tactics have made racing particularly challenging for him in recent years, but emphasized that the reigning world champion is entitled to race hard in defence.
Verstappen’s hard-nosed driving style is well known, and their clash at the Mexico City Grand Prix exemplified this rivalry. Verstappen received a penalty for forcing Norris off the track on the first lap of that race. More recently, Verstappen was given three penalty points after dangerous maneuvers against George Russell during the closing laps of the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.
During the cooldown period following the race in Spain, Norris joked about the intensity of Verstappen’s style, comparing it to the wild tactics in the Mario Kart video game series, though he later clarified that he did not recall making that comment. Despite such moments, Norris maintains that their competition on track remains within acceptable limits.
Norris Highlights Respect and Fair Play in Their Rivalry
Speaking to BBC Sport, Norris clarified his views on Verstappen’s approach, stating,
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I don’t think he’s done anything untoward towards me,
”
and recognizing Verstappen’s right to race hard. He added,
“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.”
Further showing his respect for the world champion, Norris reflected on Verstappen’s achievements, saying,
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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.
”
This admiration underlines a mutual understanding in their rivalry, where intense competition is balanced by respect for each other’s skills and accomplishments.
The Broader Context of Aggressiveness in Formula 1 Racing
Norris also addressed the competitive nature of Formula 1 drivers more generally, noting diverse driving styles and acknowledging personal imperfections.
“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,”
he explained.
The British driver added that aggressiveness varies among competitors and that no one is without fault.
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Some may be more aggressive than others. But everyone has flaws. I have them. Maybe he has them.
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He emphasized how racing styles are subjective and governed by the stewards’ decisions, saying,
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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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The topic of Verstappen’s particular mindset was also discussed, referencing the Red Bull driver’s determination to prevent overtakes around the outside, a tactic Verstappen explained in a 2024 interview:
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When I race with someone, he will not be able to overtake me around the outside.
”
Norris Reflects on Racing Fundamentals and Finishing First
Norris recounted his formative experiences in go-karting to explain why outside overtaking is rarely straightforward, stating,
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When you’re racing for wins, championships, against the best in the world, you can never expect things to be easy,
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and,
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You learn in go-karting that you can’t at all easily overtake around the outside. That is like a rule number one.
”
While acknowledging that outside passes can happen, he stressed the importance of balancing risk with the goal of finishing a race.
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But it can be done, and it will be done. But 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.
”
This perspective illustrates Norris’s focus on long-term results and strategy, rather than solely aggressive moves, which complements the broader discussion about racing tactics between the two drivers.
The Impact of Verstappen’s Driving Philosophy on Formula 1
Max Verstappen’s unwavering approach to defending his position has sparked debate within the F1 community, with some praising his skill and others criticizing the risks involved. Norris’s comments provide an insider’s view that acknowledges the intensity of Verstappen’s style while affirming its legitimacy within the sport’s competitive framework.
As Formula 1 progresses through the 2025 season, the dynamic between Verstappen and Norris remains a key storyline, highlighting the tension between aggressive racing and regulatory boundaries. The adjudication by race stewards will continue to shape how such rivalries evolve, impacting championship outcomes and driving styles across the grid.
