The McLaren team boss, Andrea Stella, has refuted Max Verstappen’s accusation that Lando Norris was involved in dangerous driving tactics during the Austrian Grand Prix. Verstappen and Norris collided during a fierce battle for the lead, with Verstappen moving towards Norris during braking at Turn 3. Both drivers suffered punctures as a result, ruining their chances of victory. Norris expressed his anger towards Verstappen, calling his actions “desperate” and “reckless”. Verstappen, however, argued that Norris had been attempting similar maneuvers throughout the race and criticized his driving style. Stella contested Verstappen’s claims, stating that Norris’ attempts to overtake resulted in him slowing down enough to stay on track or compromising his own racing line. Stella emphasized that Norris was not “dive-bombing” Verstappen, but rather exploring the limits of the track to make overtakes. He also highlighted that the layout of Turn 3 encouraged such maneuvers. Stella concluded by stating that Verstappen’s characterization of Norris’ actions as a “bombing” was exaggerated and inaccurate.
Stella agreed with Norris’ point of view that Verstappen was in the wrong for being inflexible in that specific situation, as she firmly believes that the battle would have continued in the remaining laps.
“I had a conversation with Lando and read his comments,” she expressed. “I believe he made valid points in stating that it was an intense battle, but there was no need for such desperate actions.
“We should not assume that the world will end if the car behind successfully overtakes. Max, you will have your own chance. It will not be the end of the world if he manages to do it, as he deserves it.
“This is the kind of message we hope to see in the future. Let’s avoid any additional complications.”
