Lando Norris has voiced his frustration with Max Verstappen’s aggressive tactics during their recent battle in the Mexico City Grand Prix, saying, “Max knows what he has to do… what the limits are.” Verstappen received two 10-second penalties for his driving in Mexico, and Norris hinted that Verstappen’s racing style is something the Red Bull driver needs to address. Verstappen, meanwhile, brushed off the criticism, labeling it as “annoying” and biased, and dismissed it by stating, “I am a three-time world champion. I think I know what I’m doing.”
🗣️ Lando Norris: “We’ve not spoken and I don’t think we need to.
I still have a lot of respect for Max and everything he does, not respect for what he did last weekend, but respect for him as a person, and also what he’s achieved.” 🤝
[via: @Motorsport]#F1 #McLaren #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/zKH2M2l26p
— McLaren F1 Zone 🟠 (@TheMcLarenZone) October 31, 2024
Former F1 world champion Damon Hill also weighed in, describing Verstappen’s actions as “Dick Dastardly stuff,” referencing the fictional character known for underhanded tactics. Verstappen, however, remains unfazed by the backlash, saying he tunes out his critics and focuses solely on his own driving approach.
This controversy follows an incident at the U.S. Grand Prix, where Norris received a five-second penalty after both he and Verstappen went off track during an overtaking attempt. Many drivers voiced their support for Norris, suggesting that Verstappen’s defensive tactics contributed to the incident and that the FIA should reevaluate their decision. Norris, looking ahead to the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend, hopes for a “cleaner battle” but admits the responsibility for change lies with Verstappen.