McLaren driver Lando Norris has declared he will not adopt the ruthless racing methods that propelled drivers like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton to championship glory.
Speaking to David Coulthard in a Viaplay interview, the British racer insisted success doesn't require aggressive tactics.
"I guess what I'll be most proud of is if I can do it, and just do it my way. I can set - not a new standard, but a new way of, 'you don't need to be a d***head, you don't need to have that kind of attitude'," Norris stated.
The 25-year-old's philosophy represents a departure from F1's traditional win-at-all-costs mentality.
Lando Norris will not adopt Max Verstappen's 'f*** you' attitude
|REUTERS
Following a mechanical failure that forced his retirement from second position at the Dutch Grand Prix, Norris currently sits 34 points behind McLaren colleague Oscar Piastri in the championship standings.
The chassis problem proved expensive for the Briton's title ambitions.
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Had the technical issue not occurred, Piastri's lead would have extended from nine to just 16 points at Zandvoort, where the Australian secured a commanding victory.
The setback leaves Norris facing a significant deficit with nine races remaining in the season.
Despite this challenging position, the nine-time race winner remains committed to his principles of fair racing rather than adopting more aggressive tactics.
Norris acknowledged the contrasting approaches between himself and the reigning world champion during his conversation with Coulthard.
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Lando Norris is prepared to fight with Max Verstappen - but his own way
| REUTERS"I admire characteristics and mentalities of other drivers such as Max, where it really is that kind of 'f*** you' attitude," he admitted.
The McLaren driver confessed to occasional doubts about his approach.
"Sometimes I'm like, 'I wish I was more like that', I really do, but it's just the difference of people, and Max probably contrasts with me the most in some ways," Norris explained.
Lando Norris was forced out of the Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday | GETTYHe recognised that his openness could be perceived as vulnerability, particularly when compared to champions past and present.
"I know what I have, it can be weaker and it can be taken advantage of - but only if I really give in to you or media or anyone questioning a lot and saying it is a weakness because Lewis wasn't like that, Max, a four-time world champion, is not like that; these guys weren't like that, Senna, Prost, whoever you want to say," Norris reflected.
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Oscar Piastri is starting to run away with the Championship this season
|REUTERS
The British driver emphasised that whilst his methods might differ from established champions, he believes proving victory is achievable through clean racing would be his greatest accomplishment.
He remains determined to demonstrate that championship success doesn't require compromising sporting integrity.