Lando Norris has addressed Max Verstappen’s driving antics with the world champion in danger of a race ban following his clash with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix

Lando Norris has spoken of his respect for great rival Max Verstappen(Image: Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

Lando Norris has revealed his true feelings on Max Verstappen ahead of this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix. Their friendship was tested last season as they fought for the F1 title and were involved in several flashpoints.

The most infamous one came at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The incident started when Norris was forced wide as he attempted to pass the Dutchman around the outside. After the McLaren driver stayed ahead of his foe, Verstappen then launched a reckless dive down the inside a couple of corners later, with both veering off the track.

The Red Bull driver was found at fault and stewards issued two 10-second penalties. He was also widely criticised for his alleged overaggression on the track.

Verstappen was in hot water again at the recent Spanish Grand Prix when, after being asked to cede position to bitter rival George Russell as they battled over fourth place, he drove into the side of the Mercedes. The act landed him with a 10-second penalty, dropping him to 10th place, dealing a major blow to his title chances.

He was also punished with three penalty points on his licence, which leaves him just one point away from a race ban. As he watched the incident in the cooldown room after the race, Norris, who finished second, cheekily quipped: “I’ve done that before… in Mario Kart!”

However, ahead of round 10 in Montreal, Norris has spoken of his respect for Verstappen and even defended the four-time world champion’s actions. He told the BBC: “I don’t think he’s done anything untoward towards me.

Verstappen was penalised for this move on George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix(Image: Sky Sports F1)

“He’s raced against me very, very toughly, as he has the right to do. He’s made my life very, very tough at times. And he has the right to do that.

“I’ve said it many times, I have a lot of respect for Max. The driver he is, the person he is, what he stands for all of the time. And what he’s achieved, his four world championships. That’s four more than me, and he’s had a lot more race wins than me.

“I admire those stats, those performances. But at the same time, everyone does what they believe is best. Everyone does what they believe is right. And they race for themselves.

“Some may be more aggressive than others. But everyone has flaws. I have them. Maybe he has them. I race in the aggressive way I believe is correct, and he does the same. The stewards are the ones who decide what is right and wrong.”

The pair are friends off the track but their relationship has been tested on it(Image: Getty)

Norris explained that taking a more cautious approach can sometimes be the best option, especially against somebody like Verstappen, who is renowned for his uncompromising style when racing other drivers.

“When you’re racing for wins, championships, against the best in the world, you can never expect things to be easy,” he added. “You learn in go-karting that you can’t at all easily overtake around the outside.

“That is like rule number one, but it can be done and it will be done. The number one goal for us is always to finish. Sometimes, when you try too hard, things can go wrong. You might end up not finishing the race, even though you might be in the right, so sometimes you’ve got to take the safer approach.”