P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lando Norris and Max Verstappen are no strangers to wheel-to-wheel competition following their spats last year.
Lando Norris defended his racing approach against Max Verstappen in response to on-track incidents from last year. Verstappen, a four-time F1 champion in 2024, faced competition from Norris as McLaren improved their performance mid-season. Verstappen’s aggressive racing led to clashes with Norris, including incidents in Austria where contact resulted in a non-finish for the Dutch driver. This season, Norris’s main rival has been his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, with Verstappen playing a lesser role in the title fight. Despite their conflicts, Norris emphasized his respect for Verstappen’s racing ability and achievements, acknowledging the tough battles on the track. Looking ahead, Norris expressed his intention to race tough against Verstappen while leaving the judgment of racing tactics to the F1 stewards.
