Norris Calls Verstappen’s Austrian GP Crash “Reckless and Desperate”

The Austrian Grand Prix saw a dramatic clash between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, resulting in a DNF for the McLaren driver and a damaged Red Bull for the reigning champion. In the aftermath of the incident, Norris didn’t mince words, describing Verstappen’s move as “reckless” and “desperate.”

The crash occurred on lap 64 when Verstappen, attempting to pass Norris for the lead, made a bold but ultimately unsuccessful move at Turn 4. The two cars made contact, sending Norris’s McLaren into the barriers and bringing out the safety car.

“He just went straight into me,” Norris said after the race, clearly frustrated. “I don’t know what he was trying to do, but it was pretty reckless. He was desperate to get past, and it ended up costing me the race.”

Norris’s assessment of the incident is supported by the data. According to the onboard footage, Verstappen was significantly faster than Norris on the lap leading up to the crash. However, his attempt to overtake was made in a tight corner with no clear space, leaving no room for error.

The crash highlights a recurring theme in the 2023 season: Verstappen’s aggressive driving style. This season, the Red Bull driver has been involved in several contentious incidents, including a collision with Lewis Hamilton in Australia and a near miss with Sergio Perez in Canada.

This incident also raises questions about the strategy choices of both drivers. Norris had been running a strong race, holding onto the lead for a significant portion of the race. While Verstappen had been closing the gap, his decision to push for the overtake in such a risky manner proved costly.

While the crash ultimately led to a disappointing result for Norris, it serves as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in Formula 1 racing. The incident has sparked a debate about Verstappen’s driving style, prompting questions about whether it’s too aggressive.

Looking ahead, this incident may lead to further scrutiny of Verstappen’s driving behavior. The FIA could choose to investigate the incident and issue penalties, potentially influencing the championship standings.

The Austrian Grand Prix ended on a sour note for Norris, but his strong performance and bold comments serve as a reminder that he is not afraid to challenge the reigning champion. The incident will undoubtedly add another layer of intrigue to the remainder of the 2023 F1 season.