Lando Norris has acknowledged he has room to improve when it comes to challenging Max Verstappen’s race-craft, admitting he’s “not quite at the level” of the three-time world champion as they battle for the Formula 1 title. The McLaren driver made the comments following a controversial United States Grand Prix, where he was penalized and demoted from third to fourth for overtaking Verstappen off-track.
“Max is the best in the world in this style of defense and attacking,” Norris said. “I have to be at his level, and at the moment, I am not quite at the level I need to be at.” Norris also voiced frustration about the penalty, describing Verstappen’s defensive approach as “not how racing should be.”
In response to the penalty, McLaren has formally requested a review, which will be heard in Mexico City on Friday. To overturn the decision, they must provide a “significant and relevant new element” that justifies reopening the case. Meanwhile, Norris’s penalty has stirred a broader debate among drivers about current overtaking rules, with many questioning the fairness of Verstappen’s driving.
Verstappen defended his approach, saying, “It’s how the rules are written. I don’t make the rules. I just follow them as much as I can.” The rule, which states that a driver on the inside with their front axle ahead at the apex of a corner doesn’t need to give space on the exit, allowed Verstappen to legally deny Norris room at Turn 12, though both went off the track.
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton weighed in, asserting that “a change [to the rule] has been needed for some time,” noting that Verstappen used similar tactics during their 2021 title fight. Hamilton’s teammate, George Russell, echoed this sentiment and plans to discuss with the FIA if Verstappen should have been penalized for his move.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who won the race in Austin, also called Verstappen’s defense “a bit too extreme” but acknowledged that it contributes to thrilling, if contentious, on-track battles.
With increasing scrutiny on overtaking regulations, several drivers are set to raise the issue with the FIA at this weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix.
