Max Verstappen feelings made very clear by Lando Norris in 'aggressive' admission

Lando Norris acknowledges the fierce driving style of Max Verstappen, suggesting that punters might consider betting on Verstappen's aggressive tactics leading to potential penalties in the Canadian Grand Prix. While Norris respects Verstappen as a competitor, he also highlights the risks of racing against such an aggressive driver, indicating that outcomes may be influenced by the possibility of clashes or incidents during the race.

Lando Norris has opened up on his true feelings about Max Verstappen ahead of this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix.

The pair are good friends away from the track but have clashed on several occasions when racing against each other. Their rivalry came to a head at last season's Mexico City Grand Prix, where Verstappen was involved in two major flashpoints.

He initially braked late and forced Norris wide as the McLaren driver attempted a move around the outside. Moments later, the Red Bull man launched a reckless dive down the inside of his rival which saw both drivers run off the track. Verstappen was later handed two 10-second penalties and received a barrage of criticism for his reckless driving.

At the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend, the reigning world champion drove into George Russell after being told by Red Bull to let him through. Norris mocked Verstappen's aggressive conduct after the race, saying: "I've done that before... in Mario Kart."

Speaking ahead of this weekend's race in Canada, the young Brit gave a considered response when quizzed on his rivalry with Verstappen. "I don't think he's done anything untoward towards me," Norris told BBC Sport. "He's raced against me very, very toughly, as he has the right to do. He's made my life very, very tough at times. And he has the right to do that.

"I've said it many times, I have a lot of respect for Max. The driver he is, the person he is, what he stands for all of the time. And what he's achieved, his four world championships. That's four more than me, and he's had a lot more race wins than me.

"I admire those stats, those performances. But at the same time, everyone does what they believe is best. Everyone does what they believe is right. And they race for themselves.

"Some may be more aggressive than others. But everyone has flaws. I have them. Maybe he has them. I race in the aggressive way I believe is correct, and he does the same. The stewards are the ones who decide what is right and wrong."

Norris explained that taking the safer approach can sometimes be the best option, especially against somebody like Verstappen who is known for his aggression and uncompromising style when racing other drivers.

"When you're racing for wins, championships, against the best in the world, you can never expect things to be easy," he added. "You learn in go-karting that you can't at all easily overtake around the outside.

"That is like rule number one, but it can be done and it will be done. The number one goal for us is always to finish. Sometimes, when you try too hard, things can go wrong.

"You might end up not finishing the race, even though you might be in the right, so sometimes you've got to take the safer approach."

Lando Norris has opened up on what he really thinks about Max Verstappen.

Express