Lando Norris has conceded that he is braced to endure Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton using “tricks” in their bid to beat him in Formula 1‘s Singapore Grand Prix.
Norris delivered on the blistering pace he demonstrated to top the second and third practice sessions to seize his sixth career F1 pole at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
The Briton will line up on the front row alongside Red Bull’s Verstappen, the reigning F1 champion who harbours a 60-point advantage over the leading McLaren driver.
Meanwhile, Norris will also have to contend with seven-time F1 title winner Hamilton, who has triumphed on four occasions in Singapore, looming behind in third spot.
Norris, however, has claimed that he relishes the chance to test his credentials up against two individuals who have rewritten the sport’s record books in recent times.
“It’s pretty cool that I’m here and there’s World Championships, I mean, there’s 150 wins or something between them,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“So, yeah, I’ve got nothing on them and nothing comparing to them.
“So I find it cool, you know, that I’m here and I’m amongst them and yeah, trying to fight against them. I think that’s pretty awesome in my regard.”
Rivals’ F1 accolades won’t impact Norris’ approach
But while he appreciates the achievements that Hamilton and Verstappen have acquired, Norris has denied that impacts how he races the pair when the helmet is on.
“So respect them a lot. I’ve looked up to both of them for a long time, both literally and mentally, so it doesn’t change what I do and how I go out and drive,” he added.
“I probably know what to expect a bit more from them because I’ve seen them drive and I think they both drive with respect and they both want to drive as clean racing drivers.
“So I think that’s something I always look forward to.
“We had a great battle [with Verstappen], however it ended in Austria, I think we’ve had a great battle there and good battles at other tracks too.”
Norris, though, does anticipate that the two will attempt to use all their experience to overcome the pace advantage that McLaren has over their respective machines.
“So it doesn’t change anything,” he reiterated. “I know that they’ll try and play more tricks or you know they’re just.
“They’re smarter than probably the other drivers and know how to play the longer game or the shorter game more than probably other drivers too.
“I probably just respect it more and enjoy being here with two greats of the sport.”
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