The battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris in Austria was very intense. It ended with contact at Turn 3, preventing either driver from taking victory in Spielberg. Ultimately, Norris was left worse off and forced to retire. The McLaren driver, furious after the race, said Verstappen was culpable for their incident.
NORRIS: “VERSTAPPEN WAS UNFAIR, HE RUINED MY RACE”
“I had a good race. I expected a strong but fair battle, and it wasn’t like that in the end,” said a disappointed Norris post-race:
“It’s really hard to accept. It was a race without errors on my part. I think I did a good job, but we have to look to the next race – which will be the home GP.”
Norris gave a summary of his battle with the Dutchman:
“There is a rule. You mustn’t react to the driver behind, and he did it 3 times out of 3, twice I managed to avoid him. At a certain point he closed me down, he ruined my race. I don’t think I ruined it for him any more than he ruined it for me.
“I would say it wasn’t my fault at all.”
The McLaren driver also said he was disappointed to have missed a chance for his second victory of 2024.
“I couldn’t have done anything differently. If there are rules and they are not respected, I can’t do anything about it. I have to do my job, drive and drive fast, which is what I did today. But unfortunately, it wasn’t enough for the victory.”
NORRIS: “IF MAX SAYS HE WASN’T WRONG, HE WILL LOSE A LOT OF MY RESPECT”
The only positive note that Norris can bring home is linked to the performance of the MCL38, which once again proved to be the best car on the track, a factor that at the same time can only increase his disappointment.
“I have to keep going and continue to do what I’m doing. I’m doing a good job. I’m happy with my performance from yesterday to today.
“Now, let’s think about Silverstone. I’m happy with myself, with the team and now let’s think about Silverstone, we couldn’t have done anything differently.”
Norris explained that his respect for Verstappen will depend on his reaction:
“It depends on what he says. If he says he didn’t make a mistake he’ll lose a lot of my respect. But if he admits he was stupid, that he came at me and was unfair then maybe I’ll continue to have respect for him.”
Norris finished by reiterating his frustration from a team perspective:
“It’s really tough when you’re fighting for the win. I tried to be fair, and he wasn’t. Now I don’t want to think about it anymore, and I’m just sorry for the team.”
