The 2024 Austrian Grand Prix witnessed an electrifying clash between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, resulting in dramatic fallout on the circuit. Daniel Ricciardo, observing from the sidelines, shared his perspective on the incident that had motorsport fans buzzing.
Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, former teammates of Ricciardo, found themselves in a tense battle for the lead at the Austrian Grand Prix. As Norris attempted an ambitious maneuver around the outside of Turn 3, Verstappen decisively shut the door. This confrontation led to both cars suffering punctures, forcing Norris to retire as Verstappen reentered the race to finish fifth.
The incident sparked a barrage of commentary, with Ricciardo weighing in, suggesting the reaction was overblown. ‘They’ve probably blown it up,’ he noted, referencing the excitement surrounding the battle for the lead. Ricciardo emphasized that, while racing at the front, competitors are naturally more aggressive. ‘You’re not gonna just wave someone by,’ he remarked, noting that contact often happens without significant consequences.
Although acknowledging it was a near-the-edge contest, Ricciardo dismissed claims of recklessness. ‘Was it pushing the edge? Probably. But was anything dangerous or reckless? At least from what I’ve seen, no,’ he stated. He refrained from focusing solely on Verstappen, highlighting that any driver would push harder when competing for a win rather than a lower position.
Ricciardo further elaborated on the nature of racing, insisting it was typical for drivers to defend their positions vigorously. ‘No one in this sport wants to be the one that gets bullied,’ he explained. Ricciardo praised Norris for his bold moves and ‘elbows out’ approach, despite the unfortunate outcome.
The crash raised questions about racing etiquette, particularly with Norris accusing Verstappen of unconventional braking. Stewards held Verstappen predominantly responsible, citing his movement to the left as the cause. Ricciardo accepted that drivers often test limits but expressed trust in fellow racers, acknowledging Verstappen’s reputation as a tough opponent.
According to Ricciardo, racing against Verstappen means you get an extra inch less than others might offer. ‘You might get a centimetre, but that’s okay,’ he concluded, reflecting on the inherent challenges of facing such a determined rival.
While the Verstappen-Norris clash shocked the F1 community, Daniel Ricciardo believes it epitomizes the fiercely competitive nature of racing at the highest level. Drivers, striving for victory, are bound to push the limits, and in this case, it was no different. For Ricciardo, the spectacle underscores the toughness required to compete against the best in the world.
