"Max takes the piss on how far he takes things": Lando Norris “needs to run over Verstappen” if he wants to stop him says Montoya

Lando Norris has been instructed to take Max Verstappen out if he intends to challenge him for the title, according to Juan Pablo Montoya. The pair have come recklessly close to crashing in the past couple of races. Verstappen has taken an aggressive approach against his friend in Papaya colors.

After being slapped with a 10-second penalty in Austin, which saw Lando Norris drop crucial points in the championship battle, Verstappen came close to crashing his party again in Mexico. However, the Red Bull driver was rightfully reprimanded by the FIA officials, who handed him a 20-second penalty.

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris at the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico - Qualifying - Source: Getty

The incident also saw Red Bull lose further ground in the Constructor's Championship whilst also being overtaken by Ferrari. Former F1 racer Juan Pablo Montoya believes Lando Norris should crash into Verstappen if he plans to stop his rival from a fourth consecutive title. Montoya said: (Quotes via Instantcasino.com)

“I thought Lando was going to step up and take Max out. He needs to do that. The stewards had decided that after Austin they were going to be a lot more strict on Max and penalise him properly. It makes for amazing racing. I think Max takes the piss on how far he takes things. The only way to stop him is to run him over."

“Max needs to know that he has something to fear from Lando."

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Lando Norris does not need to change his driving style says McLaren boss

McLaren boss Andrea Stella has backed Lando Norris to continue driving the way he does. Norris has been under pressure to race Max Verstappen differently amid recent on-track duels. However, Stella does not believe Norris needs to make any changes to his driving style.

Norris currently trails the Dutchman by 47 points ahead of the final 4 races of the season. He did, however, cut the deficit by 10 points in Mexico after scoring a P2 finish.

Stella told media, including Sportskeeda:

"Our conversation and our internal reviews have always been very clear. Lando -- we like, we approve, we confirm the way you go racing. It's not for you to go there and trying to find justice yourself,"

He further stated,

"You go racing in a fair, sportive way like you do and then there needs to be a third party, that is the stewarding, that will say whether some manoeuvres are correct or not. Don't be desperate, [you] don't have to prove anything."

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri's impressive performances this season have also put them on top of the WCC. They lead Ferrari by 29 points and Red Bull by 25 points more. McLaren has not won either championship since Mika Hakkinen's 1998 title triumph. Is this finally their year?