I can’t help but feel for Lando Norris. He’s in a tough spot, battling for his first Formula 1 world championship. While he’s still in the race, his chances are slim because he has to consistently outscore Max Verstappen by a significant margin. And that’s no easy task given Verstappen’s dominance this season.
What makes things worse for Norris is the way Verstappen handles him during races. Time and again, Verstappen has been relentless when they come head-to-head on the track, almost bullying Norris into submission. A prime example of this was during the Austrian Grand Prix, where the two made contact several times. Their collisions disrupted both of their races, but Norris came off worse. It was a harsh lesson in just how far Verstappen is willing to go to protect his position.
Norris got another reminder of Verstappen’s ruthless racing style during the US Grand Prix in Austin. This time, they weren’t fighting for the race lead but for a place on the podium, with both drivers chasing the dominant Ferraris. Once again, Verstappen proved impossible for Norris to pass cleanly, showcasing his typical hard-nosed, no-compromise approach to defending his spot.
While Formula 1’s often-criticized rules and inconsistent stewarding may play a role in how these battles unfold, there’s no denying the spectacle of their rivalry. As Andrea Stella aptly put it, despite the controversies, their fierce competition is a “beautiful piece of motorsport.” It’s a thrilling display of the sport’s top drivers going wheel to wheel, lap after lap, fighting for every inch of the track.
These intense battles reveal the raw psychology behind high-stakes racing. The pressure exposes the true character of each driver, and so far, it’s clear that Verstappen’s unyielding determination is pushing Norris to his limits. Norris must find a way to respond if he wants to avoid being outclassed and overshadowed by Verstappen.