George Russell says he won’t follow Lando Norris by changing his approach to Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen following a feud last season as Verstappen says he has “no intention to continue any kind of beef.

Then there is the matter of penalty points. Verstappen currently has eight to his name - accumulate four more and he’ll serve a one-race ban. Worse still, the FIA stewards have clamped down on avoidable contact and issued several 10-second time penalties in Abu Dhabi, some harsh and some warranted.

Lando Norris is relishing the tag of Formula 1 title favourite this year, even if it means being more aggressive while fighting wheel-to-wheel with Max Verstappen.

Lando Norris has pledged to get tough and drive with his “elbows out” against Max Verstappen as the two prepare to resume their title rivalry in the new Formula 1 season

I am in the best shape I’ve ever been - both physically and mentally. I think we are as well as a team. We have to be.”

Lando Norris has warned Max Verstappen he is ready to get his “elbows out” after admitting he was made to look like an “idiot” during their championship battle last year. Norris, 25, fell short in his quest to take his maiden crown after Red Bull’s Verstappen saw off his challenge to land his fourth title in a row with three rounds remaining.

Lando Norris finished as runners-up in the Formula 1 driver championship in 2024 to Max Verstappen. Norris feels he needs to change his approach when fighting for the title with Max Verstappen. The Red Bull driver Verstappen is now a four-time defending champion.

Max Verstappen’s dominance in Formula 1 is undeniable, but could 2025 be the year he loses his grip on the championship? Dutch driver Tim Coronel believes Lando Norris is the one to watch, with McLaren’s impressive car and Norris’ new aggressive approach.

Max Verstappen has lifted the lid on his relationship with Lando Norris after battling with the British star for the Formula 1 world championship last season. The Red Bull sensation ended up winning his fourth drivers’ title in a row late in the campaign at Las Vegas but endured a tough season in a team that could only finish third in the constructors’ championship.