Former F1 driver Felipe Massa says drivers like him and Lando Norris struggle against those with the mentality and aggression of Max Verstappen.
After recent controversial on-track clashes between Verstappen and Norris as they battled for the 2024 title, the McLaren driver suggested his Dutch rival adjust his aggressive racing style.
"I’m a three-time world champion," replied Verstappen. “I don’t have to adjust anything at all.”
Massa, who is still battling F1 authorities in a legal action over the outcome of the 2008 world championship, admits he likes what he sees in Verstappen’s style and psychology.
“Max drives aggressively, at the limit and sometimes a little beyond. Lando has less of that. For me, Max is clearly number one.”
“I personally like his mentality. I think I would have progressed in my own career if I had more of Max’s mentality.”
“I was sometimes too nice, too kind. Maybe I was more like Lando.”
However, Massa believes Norris will have learned from his experiences this year.
“Don’t forget that this season was the first time he fought for a title and against someone like Max. It’s not easy. But we see that he’s changing. He’s getting tougher .”
“In other words, he’s learning. So next year or the year after that, maybe it will be different.”
1978 world champion Mario Andretti, meanwhile, believes McLaren will also emerge from 2024 more ready to take on the likes of Verstappen and Red Bull.
“They have the car to win, but I don’t think they expected to be in contention for the championship this early.”
“When a team doesn’t fight for the crown for so many years, it takes time to compete with the top teams again. The same goes for the competitors.”
“Norris and Piastri are two extremely fast and competitive youngsters, but they have never been in a position like the one they are in now. Maybe everything hasn’t gone the way they wanted this year, but they have a bright future ahead of them.”
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