McLaren’s Lando Norris has warned that Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will “fight harder” despite teetering on the edge of a race ban after a heated clash in Spain.
The incident, which unfolded two weeks ago in Barcelona, saw Verstappen collide with Mercedes’ George Russell, igniting drama and repercussions.
The collision came after Verstappen aired frustrations over team radio, questioning an order to cede a position to Russell from an earlier duel.
Stewards issued a time penalty, dropping Verstappen from fourth to tenth at the race’s end, and slapped three penalty points onto his super licence.
Now one point shy of a ban, Verstappen faces intense scrutiny over the next two races, yet Norris suggested the four-time champion harbors regrets.
“He said he shouldn’t have done it,” Norris told reporters. “Ask him directly, but I’m sure he’s reflecting on it.”
Verstappen, however, has vowed to maintain his aggressive approach. Trailing the championship leader by 49 points, the Dutchman’s resolve remains unshaken, a point Norris believes will fuel even fiercer battles.
“It doesn’t change much,” Norris said. “He’s behind in points, so he’ll likely push harder. You can’t predict he’ll give space, you race as usual and stay ready.”
The stage is set for a thrilling Canadian Grand Prix, where teams will tackle 70 laps of the 4.361-kilometer Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Sunday, June 15.
X posts have erupted with fans split, some cheer Verstappen’s unyielding style, while others debate whether McLaren and Mercedes can exploit his precarious position.
With the championship battle intensifying, Montreal promises high-stakes racing as Verstappen’s defiance meets fierce competition.
