Just days after the dramatic collision between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris at the Austrian GP, Christian Horner has weighed in on the situation, suggesting that both drivers have already communicated and that no ongoing tension is expected.
During the race, an intense battle unfolded as Norris attempted multiple times to overtake Verstappen for the lead. The moment of impact came when Norris decided to maneuver around the outside of the Red Bull driver at Turn 3 on lap 64. Verstappen, in an assertive move to maintain his position, shut the door as he veered left, leading to both drivers suffering rear-wheel punctures. As a result, Norris had to retire from the race, leaving him visibly frustrated. He expressed his anger post-race, indicating that his respect for Verstappen would diminish if the Dutch driver failed to accept responsibility for the incident.
Despite the tangible tension, Horner revealed that the two drivers, who enjoy a friendly relationship outside of racing, have already had discussions to address the clash. Horner noted, “I understand they’ve spoken already, I don’t think there is any issue.” From Verstappen’s perspective, Horner suggested there would be no change in his racing approach, highlighting, “Max is a hard racer. He is probably one of the hardest racers on the circuit and everybody knows that if you’re going to race against Max, he’s going to give as good as he gets.”
The incident sparked further debate as McLaren’s team principal, Andrea Stella, criticized the leniency of race stewards, referencing similar scenarios in Verstappen’s 2021 competition with Lewis Hamilton. Stella argued that past incidents, like the 2021 Brazilian GP where Verstappen forced Hamilton off the track, were not adequately addressed, implying these decisions have influenced current driving behaviors. He stated, “They have come back today because they were not addressed properly in the past when there were some fights with Lewis.”
However, Horner dismissed Stella’s observations, defending Verstappen’s reputation as a formidable yet fair competitor. He acknowledged the looming tension developed over recent races between Norris and Verstappen, which finally erupted at the Austrian GP. Horner pointed out that the competitive nature between both drivers was bound to lead to such a confrontation at some point. He also rejected the narrative of punishing drivers more harshly for aggressive tactics, recalling similar penalties faced by both Verstappen and Hamilton during their intense 2021 battle.
Currently, Verstappen holds a commanding lead in the Drivers’ standings, with an 81-point advantage over Norris, while Red Bull maintains a significant lead over Ferrari in the team standings. This ongoing rivalry seems poised to continue delivering thrilling moments on the track as both drivers remain steadfast in their pursuit for victory.
In the fast-paced and often tumultuous world of Formula 1, clashes like the one between Verstappen and Norris are not uncommon. While sparks have flown, the resolution of personal tensions between the drivers highlights the competitive yet respectful nature of the sport. As the season progresses, fans can anticipate more exhilarating encounters as these talented individuals vie for supremacy on the global stage.
