Lando Norris says Max Verstappen wants to vary his method to racing, however expects a cleaner battle together with his F1 title rival at this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Verstappen, who leads Norris by 47 factors within the Drivers’ Championship, was hit with two 10-second time penalties final trip in Mexico following two controversial incidents between the pair.
Norris described the second incident as “harmful” on the time over staff radio, whereas Verstappen’s ways have been extensively criticised within the days following Sunday’s race.
“It is what I mentioned going into Mexico, I would like clear, honest racing,” Norris informed Sky Sports activities F1.
“And that is what I do, that is what I present and that is how I race. That is how I’ve all the time raced in my profession. It is not for me to vary, it is for the opposite facet to vary.”
Check out these new angles of Verstappen forcing Norris off observe twice through the Mexico Metropolis GP
He later added to the written media: “I stayed out of hassle and did my job additionally, which is that. However each weekend is a brand new weekend. I do not know what to anticipate this weekend.
“Clearly, I hope, I anticipate a cleaner battle than what we had. But it surely’s less than me. I do not make the foundations, I do not resolve the penalties, I did not do it. I simply drive. The stewards see the race and so they did an excellent job.”
The Mexico controversy happened simply seven days after Norris was handed a five-second time penalty for overtaking Verstappen off the observe in Austin.
Karun Chandhok and Martin Brundle analyse all of the arguments of the Norris penalty for overtaking Verstappen off observe at the USA GP, after McLaren’s attraction was rejected
Norris has not spoken to Verstappen concerning the Mexico incidents and says he has “a whole lot of respect” for the reigning world champion, however not final Sunday’s strikes.
“It is not one thing I want to talk to Max about. Max might be some of the succesful drivers on the grid, if not probably the most,” he mentioned.
“He is aware of what he can and may’t do and the place the bounds are. He is aware of the modifications he has to make.”
Talking earlier on Thursday in Sao Paulo, Verstappen dismissed his critics as “annoying” and “biased” and insisted “I do know what I am doing”.
Forward of the Sao Paulo GP Pink Bull’s Verstappen defended his wheel-to-wheel racing driving type
Norris: Title battle might change Verstappen relationship
Norris and Verstappen have been good associates off the observe because the McLaren driver joined F1 in 2019.
Regardless of their clashes in Austria and Austin earlier this yr, the pair’s private relationship had appeared largely unaffected, however Norris admits that is likely to be altering with 4 rounds of an more and more intense battle remaining.
“A few of this isn’t private,” mentioned Norris when requested if his relationship with Verstappen has modified.
Talking on the Sky Sports activities F1 Podcast, Damon Hill reacts to Verstappen’s driving on the Mexico Metropolis GP and what must be thought-about ‘racing pretty’
“He desires to win the championship, I need to win the championship. However the way in which he can win the championship is a really completely different approach to how I must win the championship.
“Whether or not that modifications how we’re personally, it most likely will slightly bit, however this isn’t my focus or place for concern on the minute.”
Norris nonetheless hopeful over championship
Norris has taken factors out of Verstappen in 4 of the final 5 races however must take, on common, 11.75 factors per weekend out of the championship chief to win the title.
Realistically, it seems a retirement or poor factors end for Verstappen will probably be required for Norris to grow to be world champion for the primary time.
There stays a most of 120 factors up for grabs for a driver throughout the ultimate 4 race weekends of the season, together with two Sprints in Sao Paulo this Saturday and in Qatar on the finish of November.
Damon Hill explores Verstappen’s driving ways on the Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix, which earned him two 10-second penalties from stewards for forcing Norris off the observe and later taking an unfair benefit
Requested what allows him to maintain believing he can win a maiden title, Norris mentioned: “Simply my staff, how we’re performing each weekend.
“In all probability the shortage of efficiency that Pink Bull have on the minute – each of them must go collectively. But additionally how I am driving.
“I feel I am driving very effectively, each in qualifying and races. I really feel like I’ve accomplished a robust job over the previous few months. I’ve nonetheless made errors and I’ve nonetheless not been good, however there’s additionally occasions after we should not have received and we should not have had pole place and sure issues.
“We did as a result of I have been doing an excellent job – which is uncommon, however the confidence I’ve had in myself lately has helped me to maintain believing.”
Sky Sports activities F1’s reside Sao Paulo GP schedule
Look again at a number of the most dramatic moments to have taken place on the Sao Paulo Grand Prix
Friday November 1
2pm: Sao Paulo GP Apply One (session begins at 2.30pm)
4.30pm: Crew Principals’ Press Convention
6pm: Sao Paulo GP Dash Qualifying (qualifying begins at 6.30pm*)
Saturday November 2
1pm: Sao Paulo GP Dash build-up
2pm: Sao Paulo GP Dash
3.30pm: Ted’s Dash Pocket book
5pm: Sao Paulo Qualifying build-up
6pm: Sao Paulo GP Qualifying
8pm: Ted’s Qualifying Pocket book
Sunday November 3
3.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Sao Paulo GP build-up
5pm: THE SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
7pm: Chequered Flag: Sao Paulo GP response
8pm: Ted’s Pocket book
*additionally reside on Sky Sports activities Principal Occasion
Method 1’s Americas triple header concludes this weekend with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, with each session reside on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
