Norris aims for claim early lead to counter Verstappen’s aggressive tactics

Lando Norris has revealed his strategy for the upcoming season, where he outlined the critical need to establish an early championship lead that will effectively counter Max Verstappen’s notoriously aggressive racing style. 

Norris believes that starting the season on equal footing with Verstappen will be pivotal, enabling him to challenge the Red Bull driver more assertively without the disadvantage of playing catch-up. He also acknowledged the necessity of adopting a more assertive approach himself, stating that he needs to “get his elbows out” when racing Verstappen.

Reflecting on the 2024 season, Norris admitted that a points deficit greatly influenced the dynamic between him and Verstappen on the track. He noted that Verstappen appeared more willing to “sacrifice himself” for the sake of the overall race outcome, a tactic that often put Norris at a disadvantage.

“When he’s willing to risk a bit more than me in certain scenarios because he’s ahead in the championship, or whatever, it’s a tricky situation to be in,” Norris explained. 

Norris elaborated that Verstappen’s aggressive driving style and willingness to take risks made it exceedingly difficult for him to close the points gap last season. He pointed to specific instances, such as the Mexico Grand Prix, where Verstappen’s aggressive manoeuvers, which resulted in a penalty for driving Norris off the road, cost Norris a crucial track position. “He knows how far he can push it,” Norris remarked, “and sometimes, it feels like he’s pushing it just that little bit too far, but gets away with it.”

Acknowledging the need for personal improvement, Norris recognized that he must elevate his performance to consistently compete with Verstappen. 

His objective is to start the 2025 season with great force, preventing a scenario where he finds himself vulnerable to Verstappen’s strategic aggressiveness. He aims to show Verstappen and Red Bull that he will not willingly concede positions while also remaining strategic and avoiding unnecessary risks.