Despite the real threat of a Formula 1 race ban looming large, Max Verstappen will “fight more” than usual on track, according to McLaren’s Lando Norris.
After his collision with George Russell in Spain, the reigning World Champion is just one penalty point from reaching the magic 12, which will condemn him to a one-race suspension.
The pinch that Verstappen may feel on his superlicence begins at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, with points starting to be scrubbed off after the following round in Austria.
Despite conveying remorse for the incident the day after the race, Verstappen was unrepentant in his approach to racing, saying he will do so “like I always do“.
And for Norris, the approach to Verstappen’s approach should be no different either, stating that his championship points deficit to him and Oscar Piastri could make him more rampant.
“I don’t think anything really changes,” he told media including Motorsport Week in Canada, “because you don’t know what he’s going to do.
“There’s no point trying to think of what to do that differently. It’s the same as normal. You know, I think he’s still going to fight.
“He’s further behind in the points. If anything, he’s still going to fight more.
“So, no, there’s no point in trying to assume things or just guess because you’re in the position of fighting on the track.
“You can’t just try and think, ‘Oh, he’s going to give you more space and then doesn’t, and then something happens.’
“So there’s no point assuming things or trying to think what other people are going to do.
“He’s still fighting for the championship. He still wants to try and win every race he can. But yeah, I’ll keep doing my thing.”
Noris also highlighted that Verstappen is “one of the best in the world because of how he drives, adding: “What he did last weekend was obviously a little different to what he normally does.
“It was not just a simple aggression, but, um, and then good, strong, on the edge defensive moves. There was something, obviously, a little bit separate from that, but I think Max is who he is, and he’s achieved what he has because of how he drives. So there is no reason for him to change his life.”
‘You can’t ever rule Max out’, admits Piastri
Norris’ team-mate and title leader Piastri shared similar views on Verstappen, and said that, despite the RB21’s troublesome nature – especially in comparison to McLaren – he will always be, at the very least, an outside bet for the championship.
“I don’t think you can ever rule Max out,” Piastri told media including Motorsport Week.
“Obviously, the points gap now is a lot bigger, but I think he’s always going to be a very strong competitor, so I don’t think I can ever learn that.”
Starting at this weekend’s race, Piastri cited his race in Montreal last year as an indication of what Verstappen is capable of in any package.
The Australian described Verstappen’s 2025 performances as “the most consistent,” adding that he will “probably be competitive again” at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve this weekend.
READ MORE – Max Verstappen refuses to change approach despite potential F1 race ban
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