The battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris in Austria was very intense and ended with contact at Turn 3, which prevented either driver from taking victory in Spielberg. Norris was left in a worse situation and was forced to retire. The McLaren driver, furious after the race, said Verstappen was to blame for the incident.
NORRIS: “VERSTAPPEN WAS UNFAIR, IT RUINED MY CAREER”
“I had a good race. I was expecting a tough but fair battle, and in the end it wasn’t like that.” Norris said disappointedly after the race:
“It’s really difficult to accept. It has been a race without errors on my part. “I think I did a good job, but we have to look at the next race, which will be the home GP.”
Norris gave a summary of his battle with the Dutchman:
“There is a rule: you should not react to the driver behind you, and he did it 3 times out of 3, twice I managed to avoid him. At one point he blocked my path and 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 the chance to take his second win of 2024.
“I couldn’t have done anything differently. If there are rules and they’re 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 win.”
NORRIS: “IF MAX SAYS HE WAS NOT WRONG, HE WILL LOSE A LOT OF MY RESPECT”
The only positive note that Norris can take 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 keep doing what I’m doing. I’m doing a good job. I am 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. YoIf you say you didn’t make any mistakes, you’ll lose a lot of my respect. But if he admits that he was stupid, that he came at me and it was unfair, then maybe I’ll still respect him.”
Norris ended by reiterating his frustration from the team’s perspective:
“It’s really difficult when you’re fighting for victory. I tried to be fair and he wasn’t. Now I don’t want to think about it anymore and I feel sorry for the team.”
