"Just a tough race for us," claims Norris after losing out to Verstappen at Monza

Despite McLaren's current dominance, reigning world champion Max Verstappen came out on top in Monza. The defeat prompted Lando Norris to brand the Italian Grand Prix as a "tough race" for the British outfit.

Both McLaren drivers endured action-packed opening lap at Monza. Lando Norris was eager to overtake pole-sitter Max Verstappen at the first corner, but the Dutchman cut the chicane to defend his position.

Red Bull asked Verstappen to give back the position to Norris which he quickly did to avoid any possible penalties. However, the McLaren driver was unable to hold on to the lead for long as Verstappen regained it a few laps later.

His team-mate exchanged third spot with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc multiple times on the opening lap. The Monegasque was able to emerge victorious from their first-lap battle, but he was not able to keep the faster McLaren behind for long.

From then on, Norris and Piasti looked set to finish second and third behind the dominant Verstappen. McLaren were aware that Verstappen was out of reach, and they were eager to try something different in terms of strategy.

They extended the first round of pit stop as they were waiting for a potential safety car intervention, which did not come in the end.

Piastri pitted first to defend his position from Leclerc, who was fairly quick on his fresh tyres. When Norris also pitted, McLaren endured an issue which saw thr Briton fall behind his team-mate.

McLaren then took the unsual step of enacting team orders to swap them back around – which is where they came home.

Pressed on to comment on his battle with Verstappen, Norris said that he enjoyed the fierce on-track fight.

"It was a little bumpy at one point, but it was what I expected. It was close and it was fun racing. Tough, again, as expected.

"Enjoyable – it's what I probably enjoy more than anything, these kinds of battles. It was nice to go out on top for a couple of laps, but it didn't last very long.

"Max's pace was just far too good for us today, especially in that first stint, especially in the first three quarters of the first stint. Close, even when he got me into Turn 1, I think we were both pretty late on the brakes and we just about made the corner.

"It was close. I felt like there was probably a little bit of rubbing at some point. So, like, nerve-rackingly close and exciting for that reason. But I wish it could last a bit longer than it did.

"Just a tough race for us, not the pace we wanted. I think we were hoping to at least fight for a win. But Max's race was a bit too easy today. So, yeah, work to do, clearly, on our side.

Pushed on to share his thoughts about his get-together with Verstappen at Turn 1, Norris claimed that while the reigning champion can afford taking risks, he has to limit his aggression due to the championship situation.

"It's not my decision in the end. Got nothing to say. It was good. The main part I said was nerve-rackingly close was when he overtook me into Turn 1 on the outside, on lap two or three, whatever it was.

"That's the one where it's like, who wants to brake the latest? But I knew being on the inside that Max is in a much stronger position than I am. He can afford to be a lot more on the edge and aggressive than I can.

"I can't afford to lose a front wing or have a little bit of damage, whatever it might be. I felt like I took the risks that needed to be taken and did my part, but just not quick enough.