Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has advised Lando Norris to alter his approach to racing Max Verstappen.
The pair had a handful of heated moments on the track during last year's campaign as Verstappen often took a forceful attitude when defending against the McLaren driver.
The spirited duels have continued at the start of the current season, with the duo having a feisty battle last time out in Miami, which once again saw Norris pushed wide on multiple occasions.
As Norris aims to take control of the F1 title fight, Montoya has urged the Briton to rethink his approach in wheel-to-wheel battle against the four-time champion.
“Miami was a good race, it was interesting,” Montoya told Spin Genie.
“Lando Norris put himself in an unnecessary position at the start of the race. He's trying to fight Max Verstappen in a bit of a desperate manner, I think.
“If Norris were more analytical and determined, it would be easier for him.
"Norris is always the kind of guy who wants to show the car, he's trying to force Verstappen into a mistake that will never come.
"Norris needs to change his approach. He was in a prime position, he outqualified Oscar Piastri and had more pace than him. One bad decision hurt his race.
“I still think Norris managed to recover well, but he needs to focus on his own speed and drive to the best of his ability.”
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'Lando Norris approach gifting points to Oscar Piastri' - Juan Pablo Montoya
The F1 drivers' championship is currently being led by Norris' team-mate Oscar Piastri.
The Australian has enjoyed a dream start to the new season, winning four times in the opening six grands prix.
Montoya has hinted he backs Norris to come out on top over a straight fight against Piastri, but believes the 25-year-old is being hurt by his battles with Verstappen.
"Norris needs to take Piastri out of the equation,” Montoya added.
“If he focuses on himself and his own speed, he can beat Verstappen and he'll automatically beat Piastri.
"We're all different when the helmet is on. The problem for Norris, you can take the fight to Max Verstappen, but the more points you're giving away to Oscar Piastri.
“Everyone loves to see the fight between Norris and Verstappen, but it is completely unnecessary for his fight for the championship."
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes and Nick Golding in a special episode of the podcast, as they are joined by former F1 team principal and friend of the channel Otmar Szafnauer to look ahead to Imola! Max Verstappen, McLaren and Ferrari are just a few of the talking points.
Rather watch? Then click here!
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