Ex-F1 driver claims ‘hell will freeze over’ before Max Verstappen apologizes to Lando Norris for Austrian GP clash

Max Verstappen refused to take blame for the incident with Lando Norris and didn't apologize either.

Ex-F1 driver claims ‘hell will freeze over’ before Max Verstappen apologizes to Lando Norris for Austrian GP clash

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris (via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris‘ crash was labeled as a racing incident by several people. However, the stewards penalized Verstappen over the incident and Norris walked away Scott-free. Regardless, the Briton was expecting an apology over the incident from the Dutchman. However, former F1 driver David Coulthard believes this situation is practically impossible.

Lando Norris had reckoned that his friendship with Max Verstappen would be over if the latter didn’t take the blame. Verstappen indeed did not take any blame for the incident and noted that the Briton should be ready to race hard. Even Christian Horner intervened and called the penalty unnecessary and harsh for the 26-year-old.

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David Coulthard shared his opinions over the incident and had a humorous response. Coulthard joked that hell would freeze over before Verstappen issued an apology over the incident. Additionally, the Briton perfectly guessed that the Dutchman would call it ‘hard racing’ and decline any mistakes on his behalf, which the 26-year-old eventually did.

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Hell freezing over is the expression. Max is going to go, 'I was racing, it's hard racing'. This is the first time Lando is experiencing going wheel to wheel on a weekend in, weekend out basis.
David Coulthard told Channel 4 (H&T: racingnews365.com).

David Coulthard labeled Max Verstappen as ‘one of the hardest racers’

David Coulthard hasn’t got the opportunity to race alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull. However, the Briton has seen enough of the Dutchman’s performances to draw some conclusions. Coulthard recalled the controversial 2021 season and how the rivalry between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton panned out towards the end.

Christian Horner and Max Verstappen
Christian Horner and Max Verstappen (Via: Imago)

Subsequently, the 53-year-old applauded the three-time world champion over his performances in F1. Coulthard noted that Verstappen was one of the hardest racers to beat in the current generation. Hence, to get the better of the Dutchman, one would have to ‘match’ his pace and performance over the season.

We know how it worked when it was Lewis [Hamilton] going wheel to wheel with Max [in their infamous 2021 title fight]. Max is one of the hardest racers. To beat him, you've got to match him.
David Coulthard added.

Max Verstappen still ended in P5 despite pitting for the third time and receiving a ten-second time penalty. Hence, this goes on to show how strong the Dutchman’s position was at the Austrian GP. Red Bull will take great learnings from the botched pitstop during a very crucial time in the race.

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