Norris: Verstappen knows ‘deep down’ that what he did was wrong

Lando Norris says he feels no need to discuss last weekend’s incidents in the Mexico City GP with Max Verstappen, insisting the Dutchman knows “deep down” that what he did was “wrong”.

The two main protagonists in Formula 1’s Drivers’ Championship clashed early on in the race, resulting in Verstappen being penalized twice with 10-second time penalties for incidents that included forcing Norris off-track at Turn 4 and later gaining an advantage after leaving the track at Turn 7.

For all his respect for Verstappen as a driver, Norris reiterated that he was disappointed with his rival’s aggressive tactics and would not engage with the Dutchman on the matter.

"We've not spoken and I don't think we need to," Norris said. "I've got nothing to say.

"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.”

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For Norris, his frustration isn’t a matter of advice or correction, but rather an expectation that Verstappen, as a three-time champion, should already know where the limits are.

“It’s not for me to speak to him. I'm not his teacher, I'm not his mentor or anything like that,” the McLaren driver added.

"Max knows what he has to do. He knows that he did wrong, deep down he does. And it's for him to change, not for me.

"Max is probably one of the most capable drivers on the grid, if not the most. He knows what he can and can't do and where the limits are. So, he knows the changes he has to make."

In contrast to Verstappen’s approach, Norris has cultivated a racing style focused on fair play and keeping out of trouble, something he says he’s proud of – even if it sometimes costs him.

“I think something I’ve done well in my whole career is staying out of trouble and keep[ing] the car in one piece,” he explained.

“All those little things add up over a championship and over a season, especially in a cost cap season as well.”

The three-time Grand Prix winner acknowledged that his cleaner approach might come across as overly cautious.

“I’ve been maybe too kind, whether I was attacking or defending,” he added. “But I think I’ve always made good decisions from that side. Sometimes I’ve paid the price for not being aggressive enough, but the rest of it is not up to me.

“I’ll come into this weekend with a new expectation of hopefully having clean, fair racing,” he said. “And I think that’s what we should expect.”

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