After Lando Norris disclosed he hadn’t spoken with Max Verstappen since Mexico, Verstappen responded that he saw no need to discuss the matter further, as they had already talked about their racing approach following Austria.

Despite dominating Formula 1 over the past two seasons—including a record 19 wins last year, with a 10-race streak—Verstappen is under significant pressure this season.

Max Verstappen: Aiming for a Championship, Not a Friendly Lap

Although his title defense started strong with seven wins in the first 10 races, Verstappen hasn’t clinched a victory since Spain. This season has highlighted divergent upgrade paths, with McLaren’s MCL38 excelling, while Red Bull’s initial upgrades unsettled their RB20. A new floor introduced in Baku helped Red Bull regain some ground, yet McLaren remains the team to beat.

Verstappen is pushing hard to reclaim his lead, and some commentators—and race stewards—have noted he’s been aggressive in doing so. At the United States Grand Prix, Verstappen received two 10-second penalties on lap 10 for forcing Norris off-track and later overtaking him off the track without relinquishing the position. Norris and others labeled his move at a high-speed corner near a wall “dangerous.”

Since then, Verstappen has faced criticism for his tactics but has shown no remorse, maintaining his approach unapologetically and not offering Norris a private apology either.

Asked about their relationship amid rising tensions, Verstappen addressed whether he had spoken to Norris regarding the incident in Mexico.

“No, because we already cleared the air after Austria,” he explained to Motorsport.com. “We both know we’re fighting for the championship, not just a leisurely lap. We agreed long ago to race each other hard, so that hasn’t changed.”

He continued, “Everyone on the circuit understands that even close friends will compete aggressively for a title. Whether you’re friends or rivals, the intensity remains the same.”

After Verstappen’s comments, Norris noted they hadn’t spoken, saying, “I don’t think we need to. I have nothing more to add.

“I still respect Max as a driver and person, though I don’t respect what he did last weekend. But I’m not here to teach him—he knows what he did was wrong, even if he won’t admit it.”