Lando Norris has admitted he holds regret over some of the comments he has made in the heat of the moment regarding his biggest F1 rivals.
Norris emerged from Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with a maiden championship secured, denying Max Verstappen and team-mate Oscar Piastri.
The Briton has played a key role in McLaren's resurgence across the last handful of years, rising from a midfield outfit to a consistent front-running team.
Having joined the F1 title-winning history books alongside names such as Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, Norris expressed sorrow for how he has conducted himself in the past.
In particular, Norris came under some scrutiny at the Hungarian Grand Prix last year. After Hamilton commended the pace of the McLaren car, Norris hit back by stating Hamilton "had a fast car seven years ago" and that he had "made the most of it and now it's us.”
It was clearly on Norris' mind after he sealed his maiden title as he indicated remorse for past comments.
“I know at times I say some stupid things,” Norris told media including RacingNews365.
“I say some things about Max, or I might have said some things at times in the past that everyone talks about, about Lewis.
“Some things I regret and I wish I could take back and never have come out my mouth.”
Norris highlighted his willingness to ensure he shows respect to his direct competitors who have achieved even more than him in F1.
“I honestly believe I give more respect to anyone else than anyone else,” he said. “I give more respect to Oscar. I give more respect to Max.
“I try and give as much respect as I can to Lewis - he’s seven-time world champion.
“He’s the best driver - you compare him to Schumacher - the best driver that’s ever been in Formula 1.”
Norris conceded he still has a long way to go to reach Hamilton's peak level and admitted it may be unachievable.
“I’m not even close to that,” he said. “I might never be. I dream of those kind of things. I dreamed of today, and I’ve managed to achieve one of seven, comparing to him.
“Do I regret some of the comments I might have said in cooldown rooms or whatever it is? Yes.
“But a lot of those are in the heat of the moment. And by the time I’ve said it, I’ve gone, 'Why the hell did I just say that?'
“So, I try and be as genuine as I can.”
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