Sometimes I’m happy to finish second to Max

In brief

Norris attended the FIA Gala on Friday where McLaren were officially crowned constructors’ champions. He praised Max Verstappen, who beat him to the drivers’ title by 63 points.

“First of all, congratulations to Max,” said Norris. “What he did this year was incredible. I’m the first person to acknowledge such things when I’m the one going up against him. It was a tough season, of course. I tried to put up my best and give the best battle that I could, but this year was not enough.

“At the same time, sometimes I’m happy to finish second to Max, because I think it’s a quite an achievement to do a lot better than that.

“So a wonderful year for myself. A lot of achievements. A lot of improvements from myself — but I also know that I need to step it up and do more than I did this year, so I’m excited to look forward to next year and try to do the same.”

Prior to speaking footage was shown of Verstappen’s Brazilian Grand Prix victory, where he benefited from a red flag after being unable to pit during a Virtual Safety Car period. Footage of Norris talking about the timing of the red flag was played afterwards.

“I just want to retract my comment back there where I said it was ‘all luck, no talent’,” said Norris. “You know how the media change things.”

More changes to FIA’s “misconduct” rule

The FIA revealed it has approved further changes to the “misconduct” clause of the International Sporting Code.

“In alignment with the United Against Online Abuse campaign and the FIA president’s commitment to protecting all those involved in motorsport against online toxicity, this change to the ISC will contribute to create a more responsible and respectful environment not only among competitors but also with officials and volunteers,” it said.

Piastri pleased with second season

Oscar Piastri said he was particularly encouraged by his form in the middle part of his second season in Formula 1. The McLaren driver scored his first two grand prix victories this year.

“The obvious highlights were Budapest and Baku but my drives in Monaco, Monza and Spa come close behind,” Piastri wrote in his column for Auto Action. “The middle part of the season was really strong for me and those results give me a lot of confidence.

“I feel my driving is in a good place. After…