Lando Norris has hinted that he will adopt a more aggressive approach when battling Formula 1 rival Max Verstappen, as he feels he has been "avoiding collisions" so far. The two drivers have clashed twice this season, with Norris coming off worse on both occasions. Now, the young Briton is determined to shift the power balance in their on-track rivalry.

Norris Seeks to Overcome Verstappen's Advantage

Collisions and Penalties Plague Norris

Norris and Verstappen's first clash came in the Austrian Grand Prix, where their fight for victory ended with Norris retiring. The second incident occurred at the United States Grand Prix, where Norris was hit with a five-second penalty for overtaking Verstappen off-track after the Red Bull driver had forced him wide. McLaren is now attempting to overturn this decision.

Verstappen's Dominance and Norris' Dilemma

Norris acknowledged that Verstappen is in a "much more powerful position" than he is, suggesting that the onus has been on Norris to avoid contact because Verstappen can afford a collision and take more risks to stay ahead given his championship lead. However, Norris also admitted that he has not been "quite at the level I need to be at" to beat Verstappen in combat.

Norris Contemplates a Shift in Approach

Norris has hinted that he may need to adopt a more aggressive approach against Verstappen, stating that he will "adapt a little bit more" and make the necessary changes to his driving. He believes that Verstappen's sole focus is to beat him, and Norris is willing to make adjustments, whether it's being "more aggressive at times or less aggressive or whatever."

The Delicate Balance of Aggression and Championship Implications

Norris acknowledges that a bolder stance may be necessary to shift the power imbalance in his rivalry with Verstappen. However, he must also consider the championship context, as McLaren is seeking to win the constructors' title for the first time since 2008. If Norris were to retire from a race or lose positions due to a collision with Verstappen, the cost could be significant for the team's championship aspirations.

Verstappen's Unapologetic Approach

Verstappen remains unfazed by the narrative surrounding his racing tactics, dismissing any criticism of his driving. He believes that he and Norris are simply "racing each other hard" and denies that he is being more aggressive towards his direct rival. Verstappen's natural style of racing tends to lean towards the aggressive side, which poses a significant challenge for Norris to overcome.

The Ongoing Battle and Future Implications

Norris and Verstappen are regularly fighting at the front, and their rivalry is likely to continue in the future, even if it is not directly relevant to this year's title battle. Norris and McLaren will expect to challenge for both championships again, and the young Briton must find a way to shift his approach to counter Verstappen's dominance on the track.