Norris reacts to battle with Verstappen: 'I messed it up'
F1 News
- Tygo Bekkema
Lando Norris was trying to put Max Verstappen under pressure during the early stages of the Sprint in Austria, and dived down the inside of the Dutchman into Turn 3, but then lost two positions as Verstappen took the lead back into Turn 4. The Briton reacted to his battle with the defending champion after the chequered flag at the Red Bull Ring.
Norris knocked emphatically on Verstappen's door and tried to overtake the Dutchman on Lap 3 into Turn 3, eventually losing a position to his teammate. Despite not being able to fight for victory, Norris looks back on the race with a satisfied feeling. "A good race between us, especially with Max at the beginning it was good fun," Norris said.
Norris thinks P3 was ultimately the maximum result given the conditions. "There were definitely things I should have done better in my battle. I understand that and the pace of the car was very strong, especially at the end of the race We are here to race and it was too difficult to get past. The pace was good. I don't think we had the pace to go with Max, I think he was a bit too quick for us."
Norris hopeful for tomorrow
Finally, Norris has some compliments for winner Verstappen. "I think once things settle in too much, once the tyres get hot it's difficult, so I had to make the most of my opportunity," Norris explained his attempt. He continued: "Then I messed it up and left the door open like an amateur. Some things to improve but we are there and can definitely give them a fight tomorrow."