Lando Norris criticized the driving conduct of rival Max Verstappen following a contentious start to the Miami Grand Prix. Norris suggested racing against the reigning Formula 1 world champion often involves a stark choice.
The McLaren driver finished second in Miami after an incident with Max Verstappen on the opening lap impacted his early race position.
Norris attempted to pass Verstappen heading into Turn 2 but was forced wide off the track surface. The maneuver dropped Norris several places in the field.
Race stewards reviewed the incident. They determined no penalty was necessary as Norris had not established himself ahead of Verstappen at the corner entry.
After the incident, Norris recovered through the field but could not challenge teammate Oscar Piastri for the win. Piastri extended his championship lead with Verstappen finishing off the podium.
Norris stated post-race, "It is the way it is with Max, it's crash or don't pass. Unless you get it really right and you put him in the perfect position, then you can just about get there."
He added that he felt constrained regardless of his approach to racing, saying, "If I don't go for it, people complain. If I go for it, people complain, so you can't win."
The two drivers have tangled on track before, including at the Mexico City Grand Prix last year where Verstappen received penalties.
Expanding on the Miami encounter, Norris told reporters that avoiding contact meant he avoided hitting the wall. Asked if the situation was fair, he replied, "It's not for me to decide."
