Brown addresses Norris' aggression in 2021 Verstappen fear

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has stated Max Verstappen must be shown “where the limits are” in wheel-to-wheel combat.

The Dutchman has long held a reputation as being one of the most aggressive drivers on the grid and came under scrutiny for his tactics against Lando Norris earlier this season.

Verstappen forced Norris wide on two occasions in the USA before doing so again one week later in Mexico.

The hostility came as Norris was looking to close down on Verstappen's lead in the drivers' championship.

"The world has changed," Brown told Auto Motor und Sport. "More transparent.

"Today, admitting weaknesses is a strength. We all have them. Perhaps Lando is sometimes too open-hearted, and he would be better advised to hold back certain things.”

Brown has suggested Norris could have dialled up his aggressiveness towards Verstappen - but conceded it is not McLaren's style.

However, should Verstappen not be told where the racing limits are, Brown states the three-time world champion could resort to the aggression used against Lewis Hamilton in 2021.

"But I don't think that turns into a weakness on the race track. Lando drove brilliantly in Austin,” Brown said.

“The only thing he could have done differently would have been to drive into Max's car. But that's not our style, and not Lando's either.

"After all, it has triggered a big discussion about the rules of the game. That's also necessary.

"Lando drives hard but fair. Max is an incredible racing driver who pushes the rules to the limit.

"But you have to show him where the limits are. If that's not done, there will be scenes like the one between Lewis and Max in 2021, when Lewis said to himself: enough is enough. I don't think we want to go back to that."