Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have become the most talked-about duo in the Formula 1 paddock since the race in Spielberg.
The two drivers collided during lap 65 of the Austrian Grand Prix, resulting in an early retirement for Norris. Verstappen received two penalty points on his racing superlicense as a consequence.
Verstappen and Norris have been the most consistent drivers on the grid this season, displaying aggressive and fair races. Unfortunately, their exchange in Spielberg was anything but fair, costing them a chance of victory at the Red Bull Ring.
Immediately after the incident with Norris, Verstappen received a 10-second penalty. However, the FIA decided to go further, imposing two penalty points on the Dutch driver’s superlicense, according to racingnews365.
With the addition of these two penalty points, Verstappen now has a total of four this season, out of a possible 12. This puts him at risk of a race ban. Verstappen will need to exercise caution in the upcoming races while also pursuing victory at Silverstone.
Despite starting in seventh position, the McLaren driver finished in second place on the podium for the second time this season in an exciting yet controversial Austrian GP. However, the 23-year-old Australian driver expressed his frustration at losing the win by just 1.9 seconds.
Oscar Piastri has been an exceptional performer for McLaren in only his second professional season at the top of motorsport. He has accumulated 112 points in 11 races. Despite his electrifying performance, Piastri laments the missed opportunities in Spielberg, where he came closest to a victory.
The performance of Piastri during the weekend is the main reason why McLaren is still in the title race this season, after Norris suffered a DNF. As F1 heads to the home race for the papayas at Silverstone, the Woking-based team will be looking to score more points and climb in the standings.
