BARCELONA, SPAIN – JUNE 23: Max Verstappen from the Netherlands, driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20, Lando Norris from Great Britain, driving the (4) McLaren MCL38 Mercedes, and George Russell from Great Britain, driving the (63) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W15, lead the pack into turn one at the start of the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 23, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)
The comments from the Formula 1 three-time champion came after the exclusion of the collision on the first lap between the Red Bull #1 and the McLaren driver #4. It was a fierce defensive maneuver from Norris, but Verstappen persisted and successfully overtook him. However, Verstappen had to pass George Russell from Mercedes, who took advantage of the battle between Red Bull and McLaren for the lead after a fast start. Verstappen complained that Norris pushed him onto the grass, but the stewards did not see the need to apply penalties, which was the correct decision.
During the post-race FIA press conference, Norris was asked about the incident. He stated that it is difficult to judge in such situations and that he did not make it easy for Verstappen. Norris believed that there was enough space for Verstappen to stay on the track and that it was just part of racing.
When Verstappen was asked about his perspective on the incident, he made a lighthearted joke about knowing Norris’s birthday present, implying that he needs a big mirror or glasses. Verstappen acknowledged that it was an intense race and that he would have done the same in Norris’s position. He explained that he wanted to avoid any potential contact that could damage his suspension, so he left a few extra centimeters of space, which resulted in him going onto the grass. Fortunately, nothing happened and they still had a good run into Turn 1.
The Verstappen overtake on Norris proved crucial for his race victory, as Norris couldn’t recover from it. Although Norris came close to challenging Verstappen in the final laps, it was too late for him to launch a proper attack.
Everyone was eager to know whether Max or Lando would be leading at Turn 1.
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