Lando Norris ‘will take out the elbows’ against Max Verstappen

The McLaren pilot understands that there must be a balance between intelligence and aggressiveness to face Red Bull’s

Silverstone, England (AP) – Lando Norris He promised to be harder and “taking out his elbows” against Max Verstappen While both prepare to resume their rivalry for the title in the new season of Formula 1.

Norris was the closest rival of Verstappen when the Dutch pilot sealed his fourth consecutive title of F1 Last year, after intense and controversial battles between them on the track.

“I need to get the elbows (against Verstappen) and show that I am not willing to give it any position. I also have to be an intelligent pilot. You have to be intelligent to face Max, ”said Norris on Thursday during the launch of the new car of McLaren by 2025.

Lando Norris He indicated that he was looking to learn from the expensive errors of 2024 and added that his reaction when he saw some of his own maneuvers last year was “what idiot.”

“But at the same time, I don’t need to go out and try something to (Verstappen),” Norris said. “I don’t need to assume unnecessary risks. I don’t think you have to do anything special to try to beat Max. He is fast, aggressive and one of the best of all time, but the easiest way to overcome him is simply being faster than him and keeping you forward. ”

McLaren It had a slower pace in the first part of last season before the improvements to the car for the Miami Grand Prix In May. Norris said that Verstappen’s mentality and his great advantage had made it “very difficult” for him to compete, but predicted that the championship could be different this year if he and McLaren can start better.

The preseason tests will be carried out from February 26 to 28 in Bahrain and the first race of the season will be the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne On March 16.