Norris Criticizes Verstappen’s ‘Unfair’ Driving Style: ‘Glad the Car is Still Intact’

Lando Norris expressed his satisfaction after securing a second-place finish in the Mexican Grand Prix. The British driver had to concede the podium position to his former teammate, Carlos Sainz. However, he also managed to close the gap on his title rival, Max Verstappen, who finished in sixth place. Norris is hopeful that future interactions with Verstappen will lead to more competitive and fair battles on the track.

Norris Reflects on a Strong Race Performance

“I’m really, really happy,” said an relieved Norris during a post-race press conference. “I am genuinely pleased with P2. Normally, I might not be, but considering how chaotic the early stages of the race were, I feel fortunate to have crossed the finish line in one piece.” In the opening laps, Norris found himself under intense pressure from Verstappen, who fiercely defended his position. Ultimately, the aggressive tactics employed by the Dutch driver landed him two separate ten-second time penalties.

Norris Comments on Time Lost in Battles

Norris lamented the amount of time he lost while battling Verstappen, stating, “I lost a lot of time in that exchange.” Despite this setback, the McLaren driver noted the positives from his race experience. “Overall, it was a solid race. The latter part of the race gave me a lot of confidence; I was able to compete closely with the Ferraris. While I would have preferred to be at the top of the podium, I can’t complain about the outcome,” he asserted.

Norris Addresses Controversy with Verstappen

Following the much-discussed altercation during the Austin Grand Prix, Norris was asked about his battle with Verstappen. The defensive techniques employed by the Red Bull racer have sparked significant debate in the paddock. “I believe it’s clear what transpired,” Norris explained. “I adhered to the rules, and when racing against Verstappen, I always expect a tough fight, especially now that he’s solely focused on defeating me.”

“It’s evident that he’s willing to compromise his own race for the sake of victory. Ultimately, that led to him racing unfairly today, which justifies the penalties he received. It was crucial for me to avoid collisions,” he added. With Verstappen enjoying a considerable lead in the standings, he essentially has everything at stake and nothing to lose during the remaining races.

Norris Keeps Title Hopes Alive

After the conclusion of the Mexican Grand Prix, Norris has narrowed the points gap to his Dutch rival to forty-seven points. With four races left in the season, Norris still has a chance at the title, even though Verstappen remains in a commanding position to claim his fourth championship. However, if Verstappen were to suffer a retirement or fail to score points in any forthcoming races, things could take a different turn and potentially set the stage for an intense championship showdown.