Lando Norris criticized Max Verstappen’s driving as “frantic” and “careless” in their clash that ruined Norris’ chances of winning the Austrian Grand Prix in Formula 1. Norris struggled to keep up with Verstappen in the first two stints, but he took advantage of a slow pit stop from Red Bull, closing the gap between them. Norris believed that he had a chance to win and attempted several passes on Verstappen, but the Red Bull driver successfully defended his position. The battle between them ended in disaster on Lap 64 as they collided at Turn 3, resulting in punctures for both drivers. Verstappen managed to recover and finish fifth with the fastest lap, while Norris retired and parked his McLaren in the pits. Norris acknowledged that he expected a tough fight against Verstappen, but he believed that Verstappen’s driving went too far at the Red Bull Ring. He described Verstappen’s actions as reckless and desperate, unnecessary given Verstappen’s previous successes. Norris had hoped for a challenging but fair and respectful competition, but he felt that he did not receive that.
Norris has affirmed that he is content with the way he positioned his car during the altercation and has emphasized that Verstappen was crossing a dangerous boundary with his maneuvers.
“The issue is that some movement is inevitable, but he is completely reacting to my actions,” Norris explained.
“And once you have committed so aggressively on the brakes, you don’t leave room to back off and create more space in the braking zone. Once you have committed, you have committed. He moved, which forced me to move, and therefore I would lock up or do something, but before he moved, I was not locked up or out of control.
“My actions were fair, until I had to react to something he did in the middle of the braking zone, and when you don’t have grip, you’re unable to…
“Once you are on the edge and trying to adjust and counter these kinds of things, at the same time, if I am not able to move like I was, then there will be more collisions.
“As I mentioned, I am satisfied with what I did, and I wouldn’t change anything.”
Norris also admitted that the damage to his McLaren MCL38 from the collision with Verstappen could have further consequences in terms of the cost cap.
“I don’t think I need to alter anything I am doing. I was on the edge of the track, and I don’t know what else I am able to do. He is always a bit like that,
“But I have a lot of respect for Max. There are times when I think he goes a little too far, a bit of that, but at the same time, these things happen.
“I am disappointed that it ruined the race and destroyed the car. It also has implications for upgrades and budget caps, as we need these parts for next week.
“It’s not just a consequence of on-track incidents; it’s now what we carry into Silverstone and how we will be disadvantaged. Yeah, I just expected a bit more from him.”
When asked if he would approach Verstappen to resolve the issue, Norris responded: “It’s not for me to say; it’s for him to say.”