Norris makes 'powerful Verstappen' F1 vow

Lando Norris has vowed to make changes to weaken the "powerful position" F1 title rival Max Verstappen finds himself in.

The McLaren driver started on pole in the United States but was forced wide by Verstappen at Turn 1, with the duo then engaging in a thrilling late battle for the final podium spot at Austin.

Norris was criticised by some in the aftermath of that incident, in particular, with former F1 driver and Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle believing the Briton's decision not to squeeze Verstappen to the inside on the run up the hill was "inexplicable".

Norris has conceded that some changes to his approach are needed - although not everything.

"It is not an easy answer, honestly, it is not as simple as just saying yes," Norris told media including RacingNews365 when asked if he had to be more aggressive in fighting Verstappen wheel-to-wheel.

"Do I need to make some changes, yes, but is everything I am doing wrong? No.

"So it is a tough position to be in, because Max didn't care if he won or was second or third, his only job was to beat me, and he did that."

Norris - I'll do what I think is right

The second contentious incident arose on lap 52 of 56 when Norris attempted to go around the outside of Verstappen's Red Bull at Turn 12 but was forced off the track by the Dutchman, with the two swapping positions. 

Norris was handed a five-second time penalty for overtaking off the track, which ultimately dropped him behind Verstappen at the flag as he was only four seconds ahead. 

It meant that Verstappen eked out a further three points on Norris in the standings, with the gap being 57 heading into the Mexico City GP this weekend, with 146 now left on the board.

Again, Norris will seek to make adjustments. He added: "I respected our battle, but he still ended on top, and I need to be beating him, so I need to change, but I don't need to change my whole approach. 

"I'll make the changes that I need to make, whether it's being more aggressive at times, or less aggressive, or whatever, I'll do what I think is right.

"It is clear what his intentions are, it was difficult for me to get around him, and getting caught up in collision and things like Turn 1 or Turn 12 could have been [costly].

"He is in a much more powerful position than I am, and it is up to me and the team."