Lando Norris has admitted he is prepared to endure the “tricks” of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton as they look to beat him at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.

Norris delivered the breathtaking pace he showed in the second and third practice sessions to secure the sixth F1 pole of his career at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

The Briton will line up on the front row alongside Red Bull’s Verstappen, the reigning F1 champion who has a 60-point lead over the leading McLaren driver.

Meanwhile, Norris will also have to contend with seven-time F1 title winner Hamilton, who has triumphed four times in Singapore and is lurking in third place.

However, Norris has stated that he is looking forward to the chance to test his skills against two individuals who have recently rewritten the sport’s record books.

“It’s pretty cool that I’m here and there are world championships, I mean, there are 150 wins or something in total,” he told the media, including Motorsport Week.

“So, yes, I have nothing against them and nothing comparable to them.

“So, I think it’s cool that I’m here and I’m among them and yeah, trying to fight them. I think that’s pretty awesome in my respect.”

The rivals’ F1 awards have no influence on Norris’ approach

Although he appreciates the successes of Hamilton and Verstappen, Norris denies that it has any impact on his driving against the two when he has the helmet on.

“I have a lot of respect for them. I’ve looked up to both of them for a long time, both literally and spiritually, so it doesn’t change what I do and how I go out and ride,” he added.

“I probably know to expect a little bit more from them because I have seen them drive and I think they both drive with respect and both want to drive as clean racers.

“I think that’s something I always look forward to.

“We had a great battle (with Verstappen), but whatever the outcome in Austria, I think we had a great battle there and good battles on other tracks as well.”

However, Norris expects that the two will try to use all their experience to catch up with the speed advantage that McLaren has over their respective machines.

“So it doesn’t change anything,” he repeated. “I know they’ll try to play more pranks, or, you know, they’re just…”

“They are probably smarter than the other drivers and probably know better than other drivers how to play the longer or shorter game.

“I probably just respect it more and enjoy being here with two greats of the sport.”