Lando Norris issues stern response to Max Verstappen approach

Lando Norris has defended his approach to racing Max Verstappen following their on-track incidents last year.

As Verstappen chased a fourth F1 title in 2024, he faced a threat from Norris who looked to close the deficit when McLaren rose to the head of the pecking order midway through the year.

Verstappen ran Norris off the track on a handful of occasions and contact was made between the pair in Austria, resulting in a non-finish for the Dutchman.

Verstappen has been less of a factor in this year's title fight, with Norris' primary competitor in the opening phase of the campaign being team-mate Oscar Piastri.

Norris highlighted he maintains respect for Verstappen despite their conflicts on the race track.

"I don't think he's done anything untoward towards me," Norris told BBC Sport. 

"He's raced against me very, very toughly, as he has the right to do. He's made my life very, very tough at times. And he has the right to do that.

"I've said it many times, I have a lot of respect for Max. The driver he is, the person he is, what he stands for all of the time. And what he's achieved, his four world championships. That's four more than me, and he's had a lot more race wins than me.

"I admire those stats, those performances.” 

Norris declared in the pre-season build-up that he would get his “elbows out” against Verstappen going forward.

The McLaren driver added that only the F1 stewards can judge whose tactics are wrong when it comes to wheel-to-wheel battles.

“But at the same time, everyone does what they believe is best,” he said. “Everyone does what they believe is right. And they race for themselves.

“Some may be more aggressive than others. But everyone has flaws. I have them. Maybe he has them.

“I race in the aggressive way I believe is correct, and he does the same. The stewards are the ones who decide what is right and wrong.”