Lando Norris has defended Max Verstappen's aggressive racing style, insisting the Red Bull driver has done nothing "untoward" against him despite their high-profile clashes.
The McLaren driver's comments come after incidents between the pair in Austria and Mexico City during the 2024 season.
"I don't think he's done anything untoward towards me," Norris told BBC Sport.
"He's raced against me very, very toughly, as he has the right to do."
Lando Norris has defended Max Verstappen's recent driving antics
ReutersThe British driver's defence of Verstappen follows multiple on-track confrontations, including a collision in the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix that forced Norris to retire from the race.
Verstappen currently sits on 11 penalty points and faces a potential race ban if he receives one more before losing two points on 30 June.
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The four-time world champion accumulated his latest penalty points after driving into George Russell during the Spanish Grand Prix.
The incident occurred when Red Bull incorrectly instructed Verstappen to yield fourth place to Russell in the closing stages.
Verstappen, who had used the Turn 1 run-off area after contact with Russell, did not need to give up the position.
His decision to drive into Russell on lap 64 of 66 earned him a 10-second time penalty and three penalty points.
Norris acknowledged that Verstappen has "made my life very, very tough at times" but maintained this approach is within his rights as a competitor.
The McLaren driver emphasised that aggressive racing is part of the sport at the highest level.
"I race in the aggressive way I believe is correct, and he does the same," Norris explained.
"The stewards are the ones who decide what is right and wrong."
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Max Verstappen had been left fuming after being ordered to allow George Russell throughGettyFour of Verstappen's current 11 penalty points came from incidents involving Norris in 2024, including the Austrian Grand Prix crash and two penalties for forcing the British driver off track during the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Norris expressed admiration for Verstappen's achievements, highlighting the Dutchman's four world championships and superior race win tally.
"I've said it many times, I have a lot of respect for Max," Norris stated.
"The driver he is, the person he is, what he stands for all of the time and what he's achieved, his four world championships.
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PA"That's four more than me, and he's had a lot more race wins than me."
"Everyone does what they believe is best.
"Everyone does what they believe is right and they race for themselves. Some may be more aggressive than others."
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