Formula 1 - After accident: Norris disappointed by buddy Verstappen
The severe accident involving Formula-1 racers Max Verstappen and Lando Norris during the Grand Prix of Austria may have consequences for their friendship. "If he says he didn't make a mistake, I'll lose respect for him," said the British Norris about his teammate Verstappen. "That's hard to swallow. I tried to be fair, I didn't," added the 24-year-old racer from the McLaren team after the crash.
In a fiery duel, Norris and Verstappen collided shortly before the end of the race. Fault for the contact was given to Verstappen. For Norris, the race was over, while Verstappen was still able to continue and finished as fifth. After the 11th of 23 races this season, the 26-year-old Dutchman now has an 81-point lead over Norris in the Red Bull team and is even further ahead in the standings than before.
Norris clear: It wasn't my fault
Norris and Verstappen have been good friends for years and often fly together to their favorite destination Monaco after races. They have spent their leisure time together there in the past and documented it on social media. The relationship between the two is now strained after the avoidable accident. "He ruined his own race, not just mine. It wasn't my fault," said Norris: "I'm just disappointed. I was looking forward to a fair race, but that wasn't it."
McLaren team boss Andrea Stella also saw it that way. "We have so much respect for Red Bull and Max, they don't have to do that," said the Italian: "That's a way to damage your reputation." Verstappen's actions in the corners after braking were particularly criticized. According to the regulations, reacting to the movements of another car after braking is forbidden. Verstappen received a ten-second time penalty for the attempt at the accident.
Lando Norris, as a Formula 1 driver, has been part of the McLaren Group Limited since joining the motorsport world. Max Verstappen, his teammate and friend, likewise competes in Formula 1, representing the Red Bull team. The recent GP Austria witnessed a severe accident involving these two racers, which has caused tension in their relationship. Norris has clarified that he believes he was not at fault for the collision. The incident has resulted in a ten-second time penalty for Verstappen, as per the Formula 1 regulations. Despite their long-term friendship, the avoidable accident has strained their relationship, leaving international racing enthusiasts eager to see how they will navigate this challenging situation in future races.
