Lando Norris says ‘I’ll do what I think is right’ in Max Verstappen battle

MEXICO CITY – A defiant Lando Norris has said that he will “do what I think is right” as his battle with Max Verstappen for the Formula One world title intensifies.

Speaking ahead of the Mexico Grand Prix on Oct 27, he remained adamant he was harshly treated at last weekend’s United States race where he was penalised and dropped from third to fourth behind the three-time world champion.

“Max didn’t care if he won or if he was second or third,” said the McLaren driver.

“His only job was to beat me – and he did that. From his side, he did a good job. He ended up on top and I need to beat him. So I think there are some little things I can change, but not my whole approach.”

Verstappen increased his lead to 57 points ahead of Norris – who was penalised for running off track when forced to do so as he passed the Dutchman – with five races remaining. Norris said the pair had not spoken since last weekend’s clash in Texas.

“He did what he thought was right and I did what I thought was right,” he added.

“As a team we still disagree with the penalty and I think the majority of people who watched disagreed. So I will make changes, whether to be more aggressive at times or less aggressive. I will do what I think is right.”

The Briton also explained that Verstappen was a master of defending aggressively by staying ahead at the apex and then attacking.

“Max is the best in the world in that style of defence and attack, and I’m going up against the best in the world so therefore I need to be at his level,” Norris said.

“It is what Max does and he is very good at it. I am still there and avoiding collisions. It’s clear what his intentions are and he is in a more powerful position than me.”

The Texas race winner Charles Leclerc added his view, suggesting that Verstappen “being on the limit of the regulations” is what makes battles with him “so exciting”.

“With him, you know he will never let you have any room and it will always be on the limit of the regulations and sometimes a bit over.” said the Ferrari driver.

In other news, Leclerc’s teammate Carlos Sainz believes his days as a race-winning driver will not be over when he leaves Ferrari for Williams next season.

The 30-year-old Spaniard, who has won three times with Ferrari, said on Oct 24 that he is hungry for more and believes he can chase victories in future.

“Nothing would make me happier than achieving something like that before the end of the year,” he said, referring to the prospect of another win for Ferrari before he is replaced by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

“I’m going to give it my absolute best and if it comes, great, and I’ll be celebrating. But if it doesn’t, I don’t believe it will be my last chance of fighting for wins or podiums in Formula One.” AFP, REUTERS