Formula 1 at Silverstone - Verstappen after criticism: Don't give a shit
The criticism following Max Verstappen's move at Spielberg hits him hard against Lando Norris. A few days after the race in Austria, where he collided with his teammate in the fight for the lead with Lando Norris, the three-time Formula-1 World Champion made it clear what matters to him. "The only thing that counted for me after this weekend was my friendship with Lando," emphasized the 26-year-old Red Bull driver in the driver's paddock of the British Grand Prix.
Verstappen and the two-year younger McLaren driver collided on the previous Sunday. The rather light contact was enough for Norris' race to end prematurely. Verstappen was penalized by the race stewards for the incident, but he still managed to finish fifth and build a lead of 81 points in the standings. Norris later demanded an apology, but in Silverstone he backed down.
Verstappen: "Go home and live my life"
"Lando is a great guy," Verstappen emphasized. He's fighting for his possible second Grand Prix win, I'm fighting for my 62nd, the Dutchman said: "It's clear that emotions are different."
That's why he first let the emotions cool down, Verstappen explained. Norris had previously said that they would have talked to each other both on Monday and on Wednesday. He didn't mention any details. It's going on as usual now, Norris said.
Regarding the criticism of his driving style after the incident at the Austrian Grand Prix, Verstappen also spoke out. "I don't give a damn about that. I'm going home and living my life," he said.
Verstappen's weekend in Styria was marked by controversy, as he collided with teammate Lando Norris during the Formula 1 race. Despite the incident and subsequent penalty, Verstappen maintained his position as Formula 1 World Champion. The Netherlands-born driver expressed his sympathy for Norris, acknowledging their friendship and the different emotions they both experience in their respective pursuits.
Following the collision, Norris demanded an apology from Verstappen, but the Red Bull driver chose to focus on the positive aspects, such as their shared love for motorsport and the prospect of future victories, including Verstappen's aim for his 62nd Grand Prix win in Great Britain.
Verstappen and Norris are set to compete in the GP Great Britain, a race that takes place in the international circuit of Silverstone. Despite the past incident, Verstappen remains unfazed by the criticism of his driving style, choosing to move forward and enjoy his personal life, away from the high-pressure world of Formula 1.
