McLaren urges ‘open-hearted’ Lando Norris to hold himself back over clashes with Max Verstappen
Zak Brown believed that Lando Norris had to hold himself back on track while racing against the aggressive Max Verstappen.
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Max Verstappen and Lando Norris (via The Times)
Lando Norris and Max Verstappen have put forth some immaculate racing action at the forefront for the championship victory. Amidst Verstappen’s ever-growing lead, Norris continues to amass great points over the weekend. Hence, as the season finale inches closer, the 25-year-old must start to give it his all to contend for the championship.
Due to Max Verstappen‘s aggressive racing style, Norris had to back out of multiple risky situations. As a result, Zak Brown asserted that Lando Norris was sometimes too ‘open-hearted’ while racing on the track. This meant that the Briton held himself back which wasn’t particularly a weakness. Brown also recalled the US GP where the 25-year-old showcased a sublime drive despite losing the win from pole position.
Maybe Lando is sometimes too open-hearted, and he would be better off holding certain things back. But I don’t think that turns into a weakness on the track. In Austin, Lando drove brilliantly.
Zak Brown told AMuS
Norris continued to race clean against Verstappen amidst the latter’s on-track antics. Hence, Brown reckoned that the only thing the Briton could’ve done differently was to let the Dutchman ‘into the car’. This meant that the 25-year-old should’ve allowed the championship leader to pass by easily. However, this wasn’t their racing style as Norris continued to race hard but fair, unlike the reigning world champion.
The only thing he could have done differently would have been to let Max into the car. But that’s not our style, and neither is it Lando’s. After all, it has sparked a major discussion about the rules of racing. That’s also necessary. Lando drives hard but fair.
Zak Brown added
Zak Brown asserts scenes like ‘2021 Abu Dhabi’ could happen again this season with Lando Norris
Max Verstappen’s racing style, although controversial, has enabled him to achieve some highly impressive performances in the past. One such race was the extremely disputed 2021 Abu Dhabi season finale. Hence, Zak Brown equated that the 27-year-old was an incredible driver who pushed the limits. However, if Verstappen doesn’t race under limits, scenes like the 2021 season finale could repeat this time around.
Max is an incredible racing driver who pushes the rules to the limit. But you have to show him where the limits are. If that is not done, it leads to scenes like the one between Lewis and Max in 2021, when Lewis said to himself: Enough is enough. I don’t think we want to go back to that.
Zak Brown noted
The 2024 calendar only has three races pending with one sprint weekend between the two races. Norris’ chances of winning the championship this season are very slim but not none. Hence, the 25-year-old will put all his focus on competing with Verstappen amidst the championship standings closing up.
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Aditya Pandya
(1440 Articles Published)