Norris excited for tasty Verstappen battle amid Las Vegas uncertainties

13:29, 22 Nov

Updated: 14:35, 22 Nov

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byKada Sarkozi

Lando Norris looks forward to a tasty battle with Max Verstappen into Turn 1 of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

"I’m here to win. I’m not here to not take risks."

- Lando Norris

The current championship leader claimed pole position for the third weekend in a row last night. Finishing second, Verstappen will line up alongside the Briton on Saturday evening local time. Currently, 49 points separate the two drivers in the standings.

Standings	Drivers	Points
P1	Lando Norris	390
P2	Oscar Piastri	366
P3	Max Verstappen	341

Looking ahead to Turn 1, the Briton said: "I look forward to it. I'm excited for it. He’s been quick and if you expect anything less, then you don’t know what he’s capable of.

"I expect a battle. I expect a battle through the whole race. But at the same time, I’m here to win. I’m not here to not take risks. I still want to go out and win tomorrow.

"So I’ll be making sure I can do everything that I can. But it’s still one step at a time—get a good start, good opening lap, that kind of thing—and just go from there."

Norris claimed pole position for the third F1 weekend in a row - Photo: Race Pictures

Lots of unknowns ahead of the Las Vegas GP

After the FP2 long runs were disrupted by a red flag from a loose manhole cover, and with wet conditions on Saturday, there are many questions unanswered ahead of the race.

Norris said: "I don't think I've done more than four laps in a row. So I've got no idea on stints and things like that.

"Many questions, probably for everyone. I'm sure not many people have run the hard tyre, that kind of thing.

"I don't really know. The pace has been strong—has been better than it was last year, that's for sure. I expect to be fighting up there, but with Max, with Carlos—, they could both be pushing as good opportunities for them.

"So yeah, it's going to be a long race. Many things can happen. Obviously, if it's dry, a bit more simple for everyone, I think. But I'm in the best position I can be, so happy for now."

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