Lando Norris has vowed to get his “elbows out” more when racing Max Verstappen in Formula 1 in 2025 in order to show the reigning champion that he isn’t a pushover.
Norris capitalised on McLaren becoming the benchmark team through mid-season upgrades to emerge as the closest challenger to Verstappen last time around.
However, he came up short in his pursuit as Verstappen retained the crown with two rounds to go, though McLaren did seal the Constructors’ Championship in Abu Dhabi.
The Briton’s tentativeness in wheel-to-wheel combat was regarded as an area where Verstappen, with his uncompromising approach, held an upper hand over his rival.
Verstappen came out on top in battles in Austria, Austin and Mexico, all of which contributed to the Dutchman maintaining the earlier-season points lead he’d built up.
Having conceded late in the campaign that he would address how he goes racing, Norris has acknowledged that he must be more aggressive as he hunts a maiden title.
“I need to get my elbows out and I need to show that I’m not going to give him any positions willingly,” Norris told media including Motorsport Week.
“But I also have to be a smart driver. You have to be a smart driver to go up against Max. We saw it last year.
“I look forward to them [the battles]. I like those moments when you have to make those quick decisions.
“It’s always a lot harder when you’re in the car, when you re-watch it after and you just think, ‘Why the hell have I done that? What an idiot!’”
Norris to remain calculated despite vow
However, with the scores reset and McLaren coming into the campaign expecting to be at the sharp end, Norris has admitted he will continue to be calculated in his approach.
“At the same time, I want to say, I don’t need to go out and just prove something to him,” he said.
“I don’t need to take any unnecessary risks, and I don’t need to go down trying necessarily.
“I just keep focusing on myself. I don’t think you have to do anything special to try and beat Max.
“He’s quick, he’s aggressive, he’s one of the best ever. The easy way is just going out, being a bit quicker than him and staying ahead. That’s the obvious plan.
“I’ve just got to be smart. That’s the answer to it all. I’ve got to be smart, and you have to position the car well and think of the long game sometimes.”
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