Lando Norris Fires Back at Verstappen After Austrian GP Clash

The Austrian Grand Prix saw plenty of action, but the biggest talking point was the heated exchange between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. Following a collision that saw Verstappen end up in the gravel trap, the McLaren driver was quick to criticize the reigning champion’s driving.

“He just seems to be driving really recklessly,” Norris stated after the race. “It’s not the first time he’s done something like that this season.”

The incident occurred on lap 11 when Verstappen, attempting to overtake Norris for fourth place, locked up his brakes and clipped the McLaren’s rear tire. This sent Verstappen spinning into the gravel while Norris continued on.

Data Shows a Pattern:

It’s not just Norris’ opinion. Data supports his claims. Verstappen has been involved in a significant number of incidents this season. According to official race statistics, he’s had 5 separate incidents resulting in collisions or near misses, more than any other driver on the grid.

Verstappen Responds, but Norris Doesn’t Hold Back:

Verstappen countered by blaming Norris for “closing the door” on him. “It was a racing incident,” he said. “He braked very late and I didn’t have any room.”

However, Norris refused to back down. “He can say it’s a racing incident, but I think he needs to look at himself and be more careful. It was definitely dangerous.”

Impact on the Race:

The collision had a major impact on the race. Verstappen’s retirement from the race meant he missed out on valuable championship points. Meanwhile, Norris went on to finish seventh, but likely lost out on a potential podium finish due to the incident.

What’s Next?

The Austrian Grand Prix incident has added fuel to the fire of a rivalry that has been simmering for years. With both drivers pushing for the top spots in the championship, this confrontation could have major implications for the rest of the season.

This incident highlights the importance of driving standards in Formula 1, and it will be interesting to see if Verstappen changes his approach in the coming races. Will Norris and Verstappen continue to clash, or will a new chapter in their rivalry begin? The answer may come at the next Grand Prix.