Lando Norris has indicated that he will modify his strategy in his quest for the world championship against Max Verstappen. The British racer was controversially demoted from third to fourth place in Austin last weekend due to a five-second penalty for gaining an advantage by going off the track to overtake Verstappen towards the end of a thrilling contest between the championship contenders. McLaren argued that Verstappen forced Norris off the track and claimed this was a common tactic used by the Dutchman when defending his position. Norris arrives in Mexico City with the gap to Verstappen now at 57 points, with only five races left and 146 points available. The 24-year-old still believes the penalty was unjust but acknowledges the need for adjustments when competing directly with his title rival.
"Do I need to make some changes? Yes. I still need to adapt a little bit more," Norris said. "Is everything I am doing wrong? That’s a no. It is a tough position to be in." Norris further explained that Verstappen's sole objective was to beat him, which he successfully did, and that he needs to make minor adjustments to his approach. "I have not spoken to Max at all. He did what he thought was right and I did what I thought was right. As a team we still disagree and I think the majority of people who were watching disagreed with the penalty that I got." Norris concluded by stating that he will make the necessary changes, whether it involves being more or less aggressive, based on what he believes is right.
Meanwhile, Sergio Pérez has admitted to having a "terrible season" amid ongoing speculation about his future at Red Bull. Pérez is currently eighth in the drivers’ standings, trailing his teammate Max Verstappen by 204 points, with his best finish in the last 13 races being sixth. Red Bull is under pressure to maintain their constructors’ title, as they have lost the lead to McLaren, who are now 40 points ahead, and Ferrari has closed the gap to just eight points. This has heightened the need for Pérez to contribute more points in support of Verstappen in the remaining five races. The 34-year-old, who finished seventh in Austin, is hopeful that a strong performance at his home race in Mexico this weekend can turn his season around.
"I know I have had a terrible season. It started really well but it has been really difficult for me," Perez said. "If I get a strong result (here), it can definitely change my season massively, I am really up for it." Perez emphasized that the presence of Ferrari does not alter their goal of winning the constructors’ title, and that finishing second or third is not an option. "We want to win it and for that we need both cars with the best possible performance and best possible package." The return of New Zealander Liam Lawson, who replaced Daniel Ricciardo at sister team RB after a successful stint last season, has added to the speculation about Pérez’s position. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner commented that Lawson appeared like a "veteran" as he finished ninth in his first race back for RB in Austin last weekend. Pérez, who signed a new deal with the team in June, insists he is focused on his own performance and aims to end his wait for a podium finish.
"Momentum in F1 is very important," Pérez added. "If I get a good one here, then the season can take a huge turn." He also noted that the key is feeling comfortable in the car and that the team is working towards unlocking its full potential. "I feel that we are working towards solving it. We are heading in the right direction. This is Formula One, sometimes the results are not coming, you have to keep your head down and focus on the stuff that you can control."
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