Norris explains smart strategy behind restrained Verstappen battles
Lando Norris has clarified his defensive racing strategy when battling Formula 1 rival Max Verstappen, countering claims their friendship dictates his tactics.
Choosing battles wisely
During McLaren's strong second half of 2022, Norris sometimes found himself fighting for position against Red Bull's Verstappen.
Observers noted Norris appeared to defend less assertively against Verstappen compared to other drivers like Lewis Hamilton.
This sparked criticism that Norris was treating Verstappen differently due to their friendship.
Norris firmly denies this, explaining he bases his defensive driving on smart strategy, not relationships.
He argues robustly defending against a much faster car serves little purpose and risks compromising his own race.
"There's no point ruining the longevity of your race trying to race one person that has a 99% chance of beating you because he's in a quicker car," said Norris.
He believes aggressively defending Verstappen last season would have intensified tyre wear without preventing the inevitable overtake.
Learning racecraft
Instead, Norris says cleverly picking battles demonstrates his growing racecraft in reading situations and opponents.
He felt realistically holding off Hamilton late in the US Grand Prix was more feasible than resisting Verstappen's advances earlier in the race.
"If I'd raced Max, I would have used a lot more tyres because he was a lot quicker. I only would have hurt my ability to extend a stint or only compromised my own race more than benefitted it," explained Norris.
Friend or Foe
Far from friendship softening his racing stance, Norris insists familiarity makes him more determined to beat a rival.
"If anything, it makes me want to beat someone more if I'm friends with them than if I'm not," asserted Norris.
He remains fiercely competitive, adamant he never wishes to surrender a place without a fight.
"Would I have loved to be more forceful and put on a better defence? Absolutely. Like, why would I not? I love racing and that is what I want to do. I don’t want to ever give a position up to anyone! Especially not Max!" said Norris.
The bottom line
While observers may misconstrue Lando Norris's tactics, he stresses pragmatic strategy rather than favoritism decides his on-track battles.
His selective defense places faith in maximizing team results over individual glory or daring maneuvering.
With Norris committed to smart racing, expect shrewd decisions to continue dictating his calculated Formula 1 skirmishes.
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