Lando Norris has described Max Verstappen’s driving at the 2024 Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix as “reckless” and “desperate” after a collision cost them both a chance to win.
Norris and Verstappen clashed as the race got underway at the Red Bull Ring after long-time leader Verstappen lost almost all of his previous advantage in a slow pit stop.
After Norris started at the third turn in an attack on the right side of the narrow and steep track, as he felt that Verstappen’s movement to the right in the braking area contributed to his locking and sliding off the track, the Red Bull driver moving left meant that they collided, as Norris came at that time on the outside line. .
Verstappen suffered a left-rear puncture and dropped to fifth, with the stewards blaming him for causing the collision and imposing a 10-second time penalty, while Norris retired in the pits as a result of damage caused by the right-rear puncture.
Speaking to reporters after the race, Norris said of the incident: “There are rules on what you are not allowed to do and what you are allowed to do.
“He was doing things you’re not allowed to do and he wasn’t punished. I expect a tough fight against Max. I know what to expect. I expect aggression, crossing boundaries and that kind of thing.
“Every time, he did things that could easily cause an accident. In a way, he was a bit reckless – it seemed like a bit of desperation on his part.
“There’s no need for that, he’s had a lot of wins. But he was a bit desperate to do whatever he could to not let me through and I knew it would be aggressive.
“So, I wasn’t surprised to some extent, but I was expecting a tough, fair, respectful race, and I don’t feel that’s what drove him.”
When asked to reflect on his drive against Verstappen – on Sunday in Austria and perhaps in the future – Norris said: “I don’t think I need to change anything I’m doing.
“I mean I was on the edge of the track, and I didn’t know what else to do,” he added.
“He’s always been that way. I have a lot of respect for Max and what he can do and what he goes out and does every time he’s on the track, but there are times when I think he goes a little bit too far.
“And I feel like today is part of that. It’s one incident and at the same time, I know these things happen.” [But] I am disappointed. He ruined my race, he ruined my car. These are the best parts of the car 1719827896 For milk.
“We don’t have a lot of room in the fight we’re in, in terms of promotions and budget caps and things like that.
“My car is completely gutted and these are all the parts we need for next week.
“It’s not just the repercussions of what happens on the track, it’s everything we have to carry into Silverstone and get hurt by it. I expected a bit more from him.”
Additional reporting by Philip Clearn