Danica Patrick has urged Lando Norris to cease publicly acknowledging his perceived inferiority to Method 1 title rival Max Verstappen.
McLaren’s Norris closed to inside 47 factors of Purple Bull’s Verstappen with 4 rounds of the 2024 season remaining after one other intense duel between the pair at Sunday’s Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix.
Verstappen, a 61-time race winner, is in search of a fourth successive drivers’ title, whereas three-time race winner Norris is chasing an unlikely first championship.
Norris stated within the build-up to the race in Mexico that he’s “not quite at the level” of Verstappen, who had overwhelmed the Brit to 3rd on the previous weekend in Austin after a contentious battle, which resulted within the McLaren driver being penalised.
“Maybe just don’t say that anymore, I think that’s the approach he needs to have,” stated Sky Sports activities F1 pundit Patrick, the one feminine driver to have received an IndyCar collection race.
“He must type of image himself because the aggressor, as the perfect driver. The issue is that Max has so many wins in comparison with him, in order that’s all the time at the back of your thoughts.
“But I don’t think that’s something that you necessarily volunteer.”
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Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc made a large mistake to permit Norris to overhaul however managed to keep away from crashing on the Mexico Metropolis GP
Norris was capable of flip the tables on Verstappen in Mexico Metropolis, together with his rival receiving two separate 10-second penalties for 2 overly aggressive strikes towards the Brit on the identical lap.
Whereas the incidents finally denied Norris a shot at victory, he took benefit of McLaren’s sturdy tempo to assert second as Verstappen ended up sixth.
Patrick added: “Lando is constantly having nice outcomes and turning into extra of that driver that we’re taking a look at for wins, so I believe his personal narrative will most likely change slightly bit.
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Verstappen and Norris conflict as soon as once more this season as Verstappen forces Norris off the monitor a number of occasions
“But the truth be told, it is like that [Verstappen is currently superior].
“I simply assume as a competitor, it isn’t one thing you’d usually say.”
Norris: Maybe I’ve not been aggressive enough
Speaking after Sunday’s race, Norris appeared to provide further detail on what he had meant when admitting he isn’t performing at Verstappen’s level.
“I’ve all the time fought pretty – that is who I’m as a racer, that is my method of driving day-after-day.” stated Norris, who has the chance to make additional floor on Verstappen at this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
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Norris says Verstappen will know he went too far throughout their on-track battles on the Mexico Metropolis GP
“Maybe sometimes I’ve lost out because I’ve been too fair and not aggressive enough. And that’s where I have to find a better balance. And those are the things, the changes I’ve said I’ve had to change since last weekend and the course of this year.
“Whenever you’re racing these high guys, you be taught issues and you must perceive higher these balances of attacking, defending, threat administration, aggression, all of these kinds of issues.
“I’ll do what I can. I’ll race fairly. If he doesn’t, then things will go like they did today. But I think he wants to race fairly. I hope he does. I think he enjoys those moments, too, when it’s a fair battle.
“All I can do is hold doing what I am doing. I really feel like I am doing a very good job, and we’ll see what occurs.”
Sky Sports activities F1’s reside Sao Paulo GP schedule
Thursday October 31
4pm: Drivers’ Press Convention
Friday November 1
2pm: Sao Paulo GP Follow One (session begins at 2.30pm)
4.30pm: Crew Principals’ Press Convention
6pm: Sao Paulo GP Dash Qualifying (qualifying begins at 6.30pm*)
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Look again at among the most dramatic moments to have taken place on the Sao Paulo Grand Prix
Saturday November 2
1pm: Sao Paulo GP Dash build-up
2pm: Sao Paulo GP Dash
3.30pm: Ted’s Dash Pocket book
5pm: Sao Paulo Qualifying build-up
6pm: Sao Paulo GP Qualifying
8pm: Ted’s Qualifying Pocket book
Sunday November 3
3.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Sao Paulo GP build-up
5pm: THE SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
7pm: Chequered Flag: Sao Paulo GP response
8pm: Ted’s Pocket book
*additionally reside on Sky Sports activities Important Occasion
Method 1’s Americas triple header concludes this weekend with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, with each session reside on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
