Norris reveals the key attributes he can take from Verstappen

Speaking to GPblog and selected media at a pre-season event at the McLaren Technology Centre, Norris reflected on the difference in mentality between himself and the Red Bull driver.

The 2025 drivers’ champion openly acknowledged his admiration for Verstappen and admitted he wishes he could adopt some of his qualities.

“It’s quite clear that I have a different mentality and a different approach compared to, say, what Max has. Good or bad, you decide,” he explained.

“There are a lot of things that I still admire about Max, and I wish I had a little bit more of that here and there. I’m always trying to improve my own skills. I know there are still areas where I’m not at the level I need to be. It’s still a good level, but when you’re fighting these guys, you need to be close to perfection,” he concluded.

Norris, however, concluded by insisting he is happy with where he currently stands.

Norris narrowly beat Verstappen to the 2025 drivers’ championship, finishing just two points ahead after securing third place at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Earlier, Norris expressed confidence in George Russell someday clinching a drivers’ championship crown.

The McLaren driver, who described his fellow Brit as ‘giddy’, detailed his belief that Russell possesses the qualities needed to win a championship.

Still, Norris was quick to stress that his immediate focus remains on defending his 2025 title.