Ex-F1 driver claims Max Verstappen made ‘sketchy’ moves against Lando Norris at Austrian GP

Ex-F1 driver Jolyon Palmer gave his opinion on the crash between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. Palmer has criticized Verstappen’s driving in three specific situations during Austrian GP. The 33-year-old felt Verstappen’s moves on track was questionable and not fair for competition.

Jolyon Palmer slammed Max Verstappen‘s move during his battle with Lando Norris and labeled it ‘sketchy.’ Palmer mentioned that changing direction while braking was a tricky and controversial maneuver in racing. This kind of move can be dangerous because it makes it harder for the driver behind to react and avoid a collision. Palmer noted that this rule about not moving under braking was actually introduced because of Verstappen’s past driving habits.

I thought Max did three things that were sketchy. I thought moving under braking the first time was a very gray area and that is his own rule that has been imposed because of him.

Jolyon Palmer said, as reported by RacingNews365

Jolyon Palmer blamed the Red Bull driver for going off the track and maintaining his position in the race. The 33-year-old argued that this shouldn’t have been allowed. He pointed out that when Norris made a move to pass Verstappen, he did everything correctly—he braked in time, kept control of his car, and stayed within the track limits, with all four wheels inside the white line. On the other hand, Verstappen went off the track to keep his position, which Palmer believed was against the rules.

Keeping the place by going off the track. That shouldn’t have been allowed, Lando made it down the inside, had the car stopped, kept all four of his wheels inside the white line.

Jolyon Palmer added

Jolyon Palmer refutes Max Verstappen comments on contact being ‘unfortunate’

Palmer referred to Verstappen’s comments about the contact being ‘unfortunate,’ but he highlighted that there shouldn’t be any contact at all in Formula 1. He pointed out that Formula 1 is different from touring cars, which are built for closer and more physical racing. In F1, cars are more fragile, and even minor contact can lead to significant damage. Jolyon Palmer believed that drivers should avoid making contact with each other and focus on fair racing. The former Renault driver highlighted a pattern in Verstappen’s driving style that should be addressed for fair and safe racing in Formula 1.

He [Verstappen] talked about the angle of contact being unfortunate. “You shouldn’t be having contact, these are not touring cars, it’s F1.

Jolyon Palmer

Further, Palmer explained F1 cars have delicate carbon fiber parts on their edges which can easily get damaged. He emphasized that drivers should avoid contact and leave enough space for opponents, especially during braking and entering corners. By leaving enough room, drivers can compete fiercely while minimizing the risk of damaging their cars.

There are sensitive carbon pieces on the edge, they are not built to have a bit of bumping. You’ve got to leave space for the opposition, particularly in the braking zone and into the corner.

Jolyon Palmer added

Certainly, Jolyon Palmer reckoned the contact Max Verstappen had during the race shouldn’t have taken place. According to his opinion, Drivers must respect each other’s space and compete fairly in the race.

In case you missed it:

• McLaren questions Christian Horner’s ‘integrity’ over Lando Norris remark post Austrian GP
• Lando Norris claims he ‘doesn’t care’ if he has played paddle with Max Verstappen when fighting the Dutchman on-track

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW