Lando Norris says Max Verstappen wants to alter his strategy 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 need clear, truthful racing,” Norris instructed 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 at all times raced in my profession. It isn’t for me to alter, it is for the opposite aspect to alter.”
Check out these new angles of Verstappen forcing Norris off observe twice in the course of 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. Nevertheless it’s less than me. I do not make the foundations, I do not determine the penalties, I did not do it. I simply drive. The stewards see the race they usually did a very good job.”
The Mexico controversy came about 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 america GP, after McLaren’s enchantment was rejected
Norris has not spoken to Verstappen in regards to the Mexico incidents and says he has “a whole lot of respect” for the reigning world champion, however not final Sunday’s strikes.
“It isn’t one thing I want to talk to Max about. Max might be one of the crucial succesful drivers on the grid, if not essentially the most,” he mentioned.
“He is aware of what he can and may’t do and the place the boundaries 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 Purple Bull’s Verstappen defended his wheel-to-wheel racing driving fashion
Norris: Title battle could change Verstappen relationship
Norris and Verstappen have been good pals off the observe for the reason that McLaren driver joined F1 in 2019.
Regardless of their clashes in Austria and Austin earlier this 12 months, the pair’s private relationship had appeared largely unaffected, however Norris admits that may 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 ought to be thought-about ‘racing pretty’
“He needs to win the championship, I need to win the championship. However the best way he can win the championship is a really totally different strategy to how I have to win the championship.
“Whether or not that modifications how we’re personally, it in all probability will a bit of 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 can be required for Norris to develop into 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 dearth of efficiency that Purple Bull have on the minute – each of them have to go collectively. But additionally how I am driving.
“I believe I am driving very effectively, each in qualifying and races. I really feel like I’ve finished a robust job over the previous few months. I’ve nonetheless made errors and I’ve nonetheless not been excellent, however there’s additionally occasions once we should not have gained and we should not have had pole place and sure issues.
“We did as a result of I have been doing a very good job – which is uncommon, however the confidence I’ve had in myself not too long ago 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 Follow 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 Primary Occasion
System 1’s Americas triple header concludes this weekend with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, with each session reside on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
