Lando Norris expressed his disappointment after a collision with Max Verstappen during the Austrian Grand Prix, stating that he would lose respect for his friend if an apology was not issued. The incident occurred on lap 64 as the two drivers were battling for the lead, resulting in Norris retiring from the race due to a puncture and car damage. Verstappen received a 10-second penalty for causing the collision.
Norris emphasized the importance of Verstappen taking responsibility for his actions, indicating that his respect for the Red Bull driver would diminish if he failed to acknowledge his mistake. The McLaren driver felt that he was denied a potential victory that could have been crucial in his pursuit of the championship.
The tense relationship between Norris and Verstappen, who are close friends off the track, has been strained this season as both drivers compete for the title. Despite the collision, Verstappen managed to finish fifth in the race, extending his lead over Norris in the championship standings.
Verstappen expressed the need to review the race footage before forming an opinion on the incident, highlighting the complexity of the situation. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner defended his driver, attributing the collision to racing circumstances.
The drivers are set to face off again at the upcoming British Grand Prix, with Verstappen aiming to strengthen his position in the championship race. The rivalry between Norris and Verstappen adds an extra layer of excitement to the competition, as fans eagerly anticipate their next showdown on the track.
