NORRIS: “IF I HADN’T DRIVEN LIKE AN IDIOT, I COULD HAVE TAKEN THE FIRST CORNER IN FRONT”

Lando Norris admitted that his early mistake in the U.S. Grand Prix led to the controversial battle he had with Max Verstappen.

During the first lap, Verstappen tried to overtake Norris on the inside, but both drivers went off the track, allowing Charles Leclerc to take the lead.

Reflecting on the battle at the start, Norris said, “I didn’t do the right thing at the first corner. If I had defended better and not driven like an idiot, I could have taken the lead, and we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

He continued, “I think what happened at the end of the race was more my fault. In the end, it was a good battle, I enjoyed it, but I couldn’t come out on top because I didn’t do a good enough job. Max drove very well. It’s very hard to judge braking points when you’re side by side. The track surface is uneven, the tires are old, and we’re dealing with different bumps. But it was a respectful and fun fight.”