I am ready to take title battle to the Max

NORRIS WILL BE SMART IN VERSTAPPEN FIGHT

- Philip Duncan

LANDO NORRIS has warned Max Verstappen he is ready to get his "elbows out" after admitting he was made to look like an "idiot" during their championship battle last year.

The McLaren star fell short in his quest for a maiden driver's crown after Red Bull's Verstappen saw off Briton's challenge to land his fourth title in a row.

Norris and Verstappen clashed on track several times as the latter protected the championship lead he established after winning seven of the opening 10 races.

But speaking at Silverstone at the launch of the MCL39 car he hopes will propel him to title glory, Norris said: "I need to get my elbows out [against Verstappen] show I am and not willing to give him any positions.

"I also have to be a smart driver. You have to be smart to go up against Max.

"It is always lot harder a when you are in the car, rather than when you rewatch it, and when I saw some of the things I did last year, I was like, 'What the hell have I done that for? And what an idiot'.