The 2024 Formula 1 season has turned into a battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. Their rivalry reached a boiling point at the Austrian Grand Prix, resulting in a controversial clash. Verstappen was penalized by the stewards, but the question remains whether the decision was fair and what this means for the rest of the season.
Ben Anderson’s opinion is that Verstappen seemed frustrated throughout the race. He was unhappy with his tires, disappointed by Red Bull’s slow pitstop, and annoyed by Norris’ aggressive moves. Anderson believes that Verstappen’s frustration got the better of him, causing him to make a rash decision. Although Verstappen has always pushed the boundaries, this time he went too far.
Gary Anderson suggests that the use of DRS at the Red Bull Ring played a role in the collision. The consecutive DRS zones created a significant speed difference, forcing drivers to take opportunities when they arise. Verstappen’s defense was excessive, but Norris also received a penalty for track limits. Anderson believes that if Verstappen had let Norris pass, he could have regained the position due to Red Bull’s higher top speed.
Scott Mitchell-Malm believes that Verstappen made multiple mistakes during the battle. He accuses Verstappen of moving under braking and crossing a line in his defensive maneuvers. Mitchell-Malm argues that it’s impossible to race against a driver who constantly changes lines. While Norris made errors as well, it was Verstappen who ultimately crossed the line.
Edd Straw suggests that the pressure of leading the championship is starting to affect Verstappen. The pitstop error and the intense battle with Norris put Verstappen in a high-pressure situation. Straw believes that Verstappen’s misjudgment was a result of the stress he was under. This incident reveals the lengths Verstappen has gone to keep Red Bull competitive.
Glenn Freeman sees the collision as an inevitable outcome of the ongoing battles between Verstappen and Norris. He believes that their friendship will be tested as they continue to fight on the track. Freeman describes Verstappen as uncompromising, and anyone who races against him must be prepared to push the limits. The clash won’t change their approach in future battles, raising the question of whether their friendship can withstand the competition.
Rob Hansford sees the collision as part of an exciting battle between two talented drivers. He believes that hard racing is what fans want to see, even if it sometimes leads to incidents. Hansford hopes that in the future, they can fight without crashing, creating the perfect rivalry.
Jack Benyon criticizes Red Bull’s team culture for enabling Verstappen’s behavior. He believes that the team’s blame-shifting and lack of accountability contribute to these incidents. Benyon also criticizes Verstappen for his actions after the collision, calling them dangerous and classless. He believes that Verstappen should hold himself to a higher standard for the sake of his own legacy.
Matt Beer acknowledges that the incident overshadowed Red Bull’s dominance. He suggests that even a small setback can change the dynamics of a race. Regardless of the collision, Beer views it as entertaining hard racing between determined drivers. However, it also highlights that Red Bull’s advantage is diminishing.