Lando Norris’ friendship with Max Verstappen ‘could be all over’ if the Dutchman says ‘something stupid’ over Austrian GP crash

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen could enter a fierce battle on track after the collision at the Austrian GP.

Lando Norris’ friendship with Max Verstappen ‘could be all over’ if the Dutchman says ‘something stupid’ over Austrian GP crash

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris (via IMAGO)

Red Bull headed into the Austrian GP with great hopes of scoring an impressive result in front of the home crowd. Max Verstappen had a great start from the pole position and was on the pace to score a dominant victory in Austria. However, an unfortunate collision with Lando Norris cost the Dutchman the race win. Upon this, Norris reckoned that his friendship with the 26-year-old could take a massive toll.

Lando Norris‘ McLaren chassis had great pace and potential to win the Austrian GP. However, Max Verstappen was sternly defending against the Briton after a bottled pit stop from Red Bull. This resulted in contact between the two and subsequently a puncture in both their tires. George Russell took the easy victory after the issue between the two race victory contenders.

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Lando Norris was not mincing his words while reflecting upon the incident. The 24-year-old reckoned that their friendship depended on the way Verstappen responded to the accident. Norris highlighted that if the Dutchman refused to take responsibility for the incident, that would cause a broken relationship between the two. However, if the reigning world champion took the blame, the Briton would continue to be friends.

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Will the friendship between Max and me end? I don't know, it will depend on him and how he explains: if he claims to be right it will be over, if he admits that he did something stupid then I will understand.
Lando Norris said, as reproted by Sky Italy.

Lando Norris claims he will continue to ‘do his job’ despite the rules not being followed

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen both received a time penalty after the incident despite Norris retiring from the race. The 24-year-old was extremely dissatisfied with the untoward contact between the two, ending both their races. Regardless, the Briton is still holding on to hopes of performing better in the upcoming races.

Lando Norris (via IMAGO)
Lando Norris (via IMAGO)

Norris highlighted that he would continue to do his job despite the rules not being followed. Subsequently, the Englishman mentioned that he needed to carry on and continue to do a ‘good job’ in the 2024 season. The 24-year-old noted that he was looking forward to the British GP and doing his best in front of the home crowd.

There are rules. If the rules aren't followed. I just have to do my job and drive fast. Just need to carry on and I'm doing a good job. On to Silverstone, I'm going to do my best.
Lando Norris added.

McLaren has showcased a great improvement in performance ever since the season began. Woking is extremely close to replicating Red Bull’s dominant pace this season if they haven’t surpassed them already. Hence, the upcoming races will be filled with excitement and such close calls between the highly capable drivers at the forefront.

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