Less than a week after their battle in Austria brought about the most dramatic moment of the Formula 1 season, Max Verstappen insists that he is ready to battle Lando Norris again at the Formula 1 British Grand Prix.
Norris was forced to retire on Lap 64 from damage sustained during his clash with Verstappen when battling for the lead, with the Dutchman surviving a puncture to come home in fifth.
The Briton hit out at Verstappen’s “reckless” driving in the aftermath of the incident, although Norris has since backtracked on his comments and admitted he “didn’t mean everything” he said after the race. The pair spoke to each other on the phone and resolved their issues.
But Verstappen said they won’t change their approach to racing – even after their controversial altercation when they return to the grid on Sunday at Silverstone: “We immediately spoke [on Monday] and I think we came to the conclusion that we actually really enjoyed our battle,” the Dutchman said.
“But we looked at the end and it was such a silly little touch that had great consequences for both of us, more for Lando with how his tyre punctured.
“But we like to race hard. We’ve done this for many years, not only in Formula 1, even with online racing and we had a lot of fun together. These things have to carry on because that’s what we like to do and I think it’s great for Formula 1 as well.”
More from the Singapore GP
Catch up with Total Motorsport's latest Singapore GP coverage, including Max Verstappen's victory at Marina Bay, Ferrari's costly strategy gamble, the full race classification, and the updated 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' and Constructors' Championship standings.
Russell aiming for British GP dream success
The battle at the front could open up to include Lewis Hamilton and Russell, given how the Mercedes performed at the Red Bull Ring.
Russell was the fortunate beneficiary from Norris and Verstappen’s battle, going on to win the race from third place, while Hamilton was promoted to fourth.
On the same weekend that it was finally confirmed Oliver Bearman would become the fourth British driver on the grid in 2025, Russell, Hamilton and Norris will all be desperate to finish on the top step of the podium.
Russell now has two career victories to his name and is keen to experience the same feeling again in front of hundreds of thousands of British fans on Sunday.
“Obviously, for us winning any grand prix is an incredible feeling. We both have many to our name, but to win your home grand prix is always the one that you you dream of,” Russell told the written press at Silverstone, including Total-Motorsport.com.
“And I think we’re so fortunate to have Silverstone as as our home race because I truly think this weekend is really special for the fans, the amount of support we will have here… the proper F1 enthusiasts. We came here as kids to watch other F1 races so for sure, [it] will always be special to get that opportunity.”
