Verstappen handed ‘elbows out’ warning by Norris as F1 rivalry renews

Lando Norris has vowed to take a more aggressive approach to racing Max Verstappen during the upcoming F1 season.

Norris ended last year's campaign second in the drivers' championship while Verstappen clinched his fourth consecutive title after benefitting from a strong run early in the year that allowed him to build a healthy advantage.

Verstappen, who has long been regarded as ruthless in wheel-to-wheel combat, intimidated Norris during the year when the McLaren driver emerged as his closest challenger.

The duo collided in Austria before Verstappen ran Norris off the track in the USA and Mexico as they battled for position.

Norris has conceded his approach was too tame during their battles in 2024 and has pledged to tackle the battles this season with fresh aggression.

“I need to get my elbows out and I need to show that I'm not going to give him any positions willingly,” Norris told select media including RacingNews365.

“But I also have to be a smart driver. You have to be a smart driver to go up against Max. We saw it last year.

“I look forward to them [the battles]. I like those moments when you have to make those quick decisions.

“It’s always a lot harder when you're in the car, when you re-watch it after and you just think, ‘Why the hell have I done that? What an idiot!'”

Norris to avoid 'unnecessary risks' despite Verstappen vow

Norris is aiming to bring the drivers' championship trophy back to McLaren for the first time since 2008 when Lewis Hamilton secured his maiden title.

As he aims to top the standings and end Verstappen's streak, Norris said he will not take unnecessary risks despite his pledge to be more aggressive.

“At the same time, I want to say, I don't need to go out and just prove something to him,” he said.

“I don't need to take any unnecessary risks, and I don't need to go down trying necessarily.

“I just keep focusing on myself. I don't think you have to do anything special to try and beat Max.

“He’s quick, he's aggressive, he's one of the best ever. The easy way is just going out, being a bit quicker than him and staying ahead. That's the obvious plan.

"I’ve just got to be smart. That's the answer to it all. I’ve got to be smart, and you have to position the car well and think of the long game sometimes.”