Lando Norris is gunning for his first F1 title but is facing a large deficit to Max Verstappen to overthrow in the final six races of the season.

Former F1 driver Martin Brundle has stated Lando Norris “underestimated” how aggressive Max Verstappen was willing to be when they went wheel-to-wheel earlier this year.

The pair collided while fighting for the lead at the Austrian Grand Prix, resulting in retirement for Norris.

Verstappen was able to complete the race in fifth place but was issued a five-second time penalty for the clash.

A 52-point sits between the two in Verstappen’s favour with just six rounds remaining this year.

Brundle highlighted a major question mark still exists over Norris’ mental strength as the 24-year-old hunts for his first F1 title.

“He’s got the speed, the team certainly has a great car,” Brundle told Sky Sports News. “Lando is growing, learning and getting more confident.

“Chasing and being chased are completely different stories in any sport.

“If he gets near to winning a world championship, whether it’s this year or next year, how is his head? I don’t think we know with anybody until that moment arrives.”

Experience ‘massive’ factor in F1 title race

The Spielberg collision is the only flashpoint the two have had this year while fighting towards the front of the field.

Brundle assessed that Norris will become a more polished driver through his experiences with Verstappen.

When asked how much of a factor experience will be in the quest for the title, Brundle replied: “Massive.”

“We saw in Austria they tripped over each other, Lando underestimated his mate Max over how aggressive he would be in combat.

“He’s learned from that. He’s still on a slope like that in terms of learning. Winning races consistently, he’s just started doing that, leading from pole at the end of the first lap, he’s got that sorted out.

“Just the way he won in Holland and Singapore was just incredible. All of those things will give him confidence.”

Lando Norris, one of Formula 1’s rising stars, recently admitted that he may have underestimated Max Verstappen’s aggressive driving style during their on-track battles. Verstappen, known for his relentless and fearless approach, has developed a reputation for his uncompromising racecraft. Norris’s comments come after several high-stakes encounters with the Dutch driver in the 2023 season, where Verstappen’s aggressive moves and fearless defense were on full display.

While Norris has proven himself as a talented and competitive driver, he acknowledged that racing against Verstappen requires a different level of intensity. “I knew Max was aggressive, but I didn’t expect some of the moves he made,” Norris said. He noted that Verstappen’s willingness to take risks often leaves little room for hesitation or error. This has forced Norris and other drivers to reassess their strategies when competing against the reigning world champion.

Verstappen’s aggressive driving has been a hallmark of his success, but it has also sparked debate among fans and pundits. Some admire his boldness, while others believe his style borders on reckless. Regardless, Verstappen’s approach has made him a dominant force on the grid, and drivers like Norris are learning that racing him requires not only speed but also mental toughness and precision.

For Norris, this experience has been a learning curve. As he continues to develop as a driver, facing off against Verstappen provides valuable lessons on handling pressure and maintaining composure in high-stakes moments. Despite these challenges, Norris remains confident in his ability to adapt and compete at the highest level, recognizing that Verstappen’s aggression is part of what makes him such a formidable opponent.