Lando Norris makes surprise Max Verstappen prediction during F1 race ban danger

Lando Norris has suggested Max Verstappen will “fight more” despite sitting on the verge of a race ban.

Verstappen is just one penalty point away from being forced to sit out a grand prix after following a collision with George Russell in Barcelona two weeks ago.

The contact between the duo was made after Verstappen vented his frustration on the team radio over an instruction to hand the position back to Russell following a battle earlier in the race.

Verstappen dropped from fourth to 10th after the chequered flag due to a time penalty for the clash and was also issued three penalty points on his super licence.

As the four-time champion navigates the next two races at risk of a ban, Norris highlighted Verstappen likely feels regret over his actions at the Spanish Grand Prix. 

“Of course, he said he shouldn't have done what he did,” Norris told media including RacingNews365. 

“You can speak to him, you don't need to speak to me about it but I'm sure he regrets doing what he did.”

Verstappen himself has stated he is unlikely to change his approach going forward, despite the looming ban.

As the Dutchman sits 49 points down on the championship lead, Norris suggested Verstappen can't afford to take his foot off the pedal.

“I don't think anything really changes,” Norris said. “You don't know what he's going to do. 

“So at this point, I'm trying to think of what to do differently. It's the same as normal. I think he's still going to fight. He's further behind in the points.

“If anything, he's still going to fight more. So no, there's no point in trying to assume things or just guess.

“When you're in the position of fighting on the track, you can't just try and think: ‘oh, he's going to give me more space and then he doesn't and then something happens’.”