Danica Patrick has urged Lando Norris not to publicly admit his alleged inferiority to Formula 1 title rival Max Verstappen.
McLaren’s Norris is 47 points adrift of Red Bull’s Verstappen with four rounds of the 2024 season remaining after an intense battle between the pair at Sunday’s Mexico City Grand Prix.
Verstappen, a 61-time race winner, is aiming for a fourth consecutive drivers’ title, while three-time race winner Norris is chasing an unlikely first championship.
Norris said in the build-up to the race in Mexico that he was “not quite at the same level” as Verstappen, who beat the Briton to third in Austin last weekend after a contentious battle that saw the McLaren driver sit out. was punished.
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Danica Patrick and Martin Brundle analyze why McLaren’s appeal against Norris was rejected
“Maybe don’t say that anymore, I think that’s the approach he should have,” he said Sky Sports F1 expert Patrick, the only female driver to win a race in the IndyCar series.
“He should imagine himself as an aggressor, as the best driver. The problem is, Max has a lot of wins compared to him, so it’s always in the back of your mind.
“But I don’t think that’s what you necessarily volunteer for.”
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Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc made a big mistake by letting Norris pass but managed to avoid a crash at the Mexico City GP.
Norris was able to turn the tables on Verstappen in Mexico City, with his rival receiving two separate 10-second penalties for two overly aggressive moves against the Brit on the same lap.
Although incidents ultimately denied Norris the chance to claim victory, he took advantage of McLaren’s strong pace to take second as Verstappen finished sixth.
Patrick added: “Lando has consistently had great results and is becoming more of a driver that we look to for wins, so I think his own story will probably change a little bit.
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Verstappen and Norris clash again this season with Verstappen forcing Norris off the track on several occasions
“But to be honest, it is (now Verstappen is superior).
“I just think as a competitor, it’s not something you would normally say.”
Norris: Maybe I wasn’t aggressive enough
Speaking after Sunday’s race, Norris appeared to elaborate on what he meant when he admitted he was not performing at Verstappen’s level.
“I have always fought fairly. it’s who I am as a racer, it’s the way I drive every day.” said Norris, who has the chance to overtake Verstappen at this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
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Norris says Verstappen will know he’s gone too far during their Mexico GP clash
“Maybe sometimes I lost because I was too fair and not aggressive enough. And here I have to find a better balance. And these are the things, the changes that I’ve said I need to change after that. last weekend and throughout this year.
“When you compete with these top guys, you learn things and you have to better understand the balance of offense, defense, risk management, aggression and all those kinds of things.
“I will do what I can. I will compete fair. If he doesn’t, things will go on like today. But I think he wants to have a fair race. I hope he does. I think he enjoys those moments. , too, when it’s a fair fight.
“All I can do is keep doing what I’m doing. I feel like I’m doing a good job and we’ll see what happens.”
Sky Sports F1 live Sao Paulo GP schedule
Thursday October 31
16:00: Drivers’ press conference
Friday November 1
14:00 Sao Paulo GP Practice One (session starts at 14:30)
4:30 p.m. Press conference of team directors
18:00. Sao Paulo GP Sprint Qualifying (qualifying start: 18:30*)
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Take a look back at the most dramatic moments from the São Paulo Grand Prix
2nd week of November
13:00. Sao Paulo GP Sprint Rally
14:00 Sao Paulo GP Sprint
15.30: Ted’s sprint notebook
At 17:00. Sao Paulo qualifying meeting
18:00. Sao Paulo GP Qualifying
20:00. Ted’s qualifying notebook
Sunday, November 3
15:30. Grand Prix Sunday. Sao Paulo GP meeting
17:00 SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
19:00. Checkered flag. Sao Paulo GP reaction
20:00 Teddy’s notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 America’s triple whammy will conclude this weekend with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, with every session live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month membership. no contract, cancel anytime
