Lando Norris has strongly criticized Max Verstappen after their fierce battle during the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Miami. According to him, the reigning world champion “ruined his own race” with his aggressive driving style.

After Sunday’s race, the McLaren driver was not shy for a judgment about Verstappens tactics.

“He is fighting very hard, but the choice is up to him,” said Norris, who is currently 16 points behind teammate Oscar Piastri in the championship.

“He ruined his own race. He didn’t drove very smartly. He could probably have finished third today, but he didn’t succeed.”

The criticism follows a series of incidents on the track between the two during the race.

The tension started early in the race when Norris lost first place to Verstappen in the Openingchicane.

The Brit had the feeling that Red Bull had pushed him ‘out of the race’ at bend 2.

Because of this evasive action, Norris fell back to sixth place, which significantly influenced his position in the race.

“Without that mistake I was cornered,” Norris added when he was asked about Verstappens upset, so the McLaren driver no longer had any space.

The incident was noticed by the racing organizers, but not further investigated. Norris, however, expressed his dissatisfaction with the action.

Although he fell behind, Norris soon picked up Alex Albon and the Mercedes duo George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.

He then caught up with Verstappen, who fought with Oscar Piaastri to lead the race.

After Piastri had taken over the first place by an error by Verstappen, the Dutchman was engaged in an exciting battle that lasted several laps with Norris.

Verstappen defended himself very aggressively for several laps, until he could eventually let the McLaren pass quite easily.

This long -term battle took its toll from both riders, allowing Piastri to build up a nine second lead over Norris.

This also took Verstappen important time, which allowed him to come after the pit stop behind Russell.

Verstappen defended his driving style when he was asked about the incidents. He said he “just like everyone else” defended himself aggressively.

“I did my best. We had a good start. I tried to fight hard and at the same time have a little fun,” he explained.

The collision in Miami is the umpteenth incident on the track between the two drivers.

Norris and Verstappen collided several times in the 2024 season, with striking incidents in Austria, the United States and Mexico City.

All three of the previous confrontations resulted in penalties, although no driver received a punishment in Miami’s race in Miami.

Norris also made it clear that he will not change his approach in future fighting with Verstappen.

“Nothing. If there is a hole, I will participate. I don’t give up. I am here to race,” he explained.