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Norris says 'I'll do what I think is right' in Verstappen battle / Photo: © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
NYSE - LSE
Norris says 'I'll do what I think is right' in Verstappen battle
A defiant Lando Norris said he will "do what I think is right" as his battle with Max Verstappen for the Formula One world title intensifies.
Speaking to reporters ahead of this Sunday's Mexico Grand Prix, the McLaren driver remained adamant that he felt harshly treated at last weekend's United States Grand Prix where he was penalised and dropped from third to fourth behind the three-time world champion.
"Max didn't care if he won or if he was second or third," said Norris.
"His only job was to beat me – and he did that. From his side, he did a good job.
"He ended up on top and I need to beat him. So, I think there are some little things I can change, but not my whole approach."
Verstappen increased his lead to 57 points ahead of Norris – who was penalised for running off track when forced to do so as he passed the Dutchman – with five races remaining.
He said the pair had not spoken since last weekend's clash in Texas.
"He did what he thought was right and I did what I thought was right," he added.
"As a team we still disagree with the penalty and I think the majority of people who watched disagreed.
"So, I will make changes - whether to be more aggressive at times or less aggressive. I will do what I think is right."
He explained that Verstappen was a master of defending aggressively by staying ahead at the apex and then attacking.
"He had gone in too hard and was overtaken off the track – it's such a big talking point for everyone and a lot of other drivers and teams don't agree on it.
"But it is what Max does and he is very good at it, probably the best in the world. I am still there and avoiding collisions. It's clear what his intentions are and he is in a more powerful position than me."
The Texas race winner Charles Leclerc of Ferrari added his view, suggesting that Verstappen "being on the limit of the regulations" is what makes battles with him "so exciting".
"With him, you know he will never let you have any room and it will always be on the limit of the regulations and sometimes a bit over! That's what makes it so exciting," said the Ferrari driver.
F. Burkhard--BTZ
