WATCH: Lando Norris smirks as he backtracks on wanting Max Verstappen to apologize for Austrian GP clash

Lando Norris doesn't want Max Verstappen to apologize anymore over the Austrian GP collision.

WATCH: Lando Norris smirks as he backtracks on wanting Max Verstappen to apologize for Austrian GP clash

Lando Norris, Max Verstappen (via IMAGO, Screenshot via Sky Sports)

Lando Norris was extremely agitated after colliding with Max Verstappen at the Austrian GP and losing the race. Verstappen was on the path to score the race win and also lost major points after succumbing to a penalty and finishing in P5. Norris’ end to the race was more disappointing as he DNF’ed after major damage to the chassis. The 24-year-old had showcased some stern words towards the Dutchman which he has now backtracked upon.

Lando Norris claimed that his friendship with Max Verstappen would be at stake after the collision at the Austrian GP. Verstappen refused to take blame for the incident and called the 24-year-old out to ‘race harder’ amidst such incidents. Norris recalled that the Dutchman didn’t ‘need to apologise’ over the incident. The Briton didn’t mean most of the stuff he said as he was frustrated from losing major points at the time.

Honestly, I don’t think he needs to apologise. Some of the things I said in the TV pen after the race were more because I was frustrated at the time.
Lando Norris said, as reported by Sky Sports.

The drivers drive around the circuit under extremely difficult circumstances. Even the tiniest bit of mistake could cost them their life. Hence, after colliding with the Dutchman, Norris was extremely emotional. In addition to this, the 24-year-old was full of adrenaline and said some ‘unnecessary things’ in the heat of the moment.

FS Video
I was full of adrenaline and emotion and I said some things that were unnecessary.
Lando Norris added.

Lando Norris claims he ‘talked’ with Max Verstappen and was happy to race again

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have showcased great friendship on and off the track despite their differences. Norris reflected that it was a ‘nasty’ incident that sabotaged both the drivers’ races and ended it. Also, the Briton mentioned that the incident had a ‘big impact’ on the team and even the driver. 

It was a nasty incident that ended both races for us. It had a big impact on us, all the way to myself.
Lando Norris noted.
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris (Via: Imago)

However, despite the major damage to the chassis, Norris mentioned that it was ‘good racing’ and very close to the edge. Regardless, the two drivers had a chat after the incident and sorted out the issues between them. Furthermore, the Briton was ready to get back into racing with Max Verstappen after ending the matter on good terms.

I thought it was, as a review, good racing and – at times – very close to the edge. But we’ve talked about it, and we're both happy to go racing again.
Lando Norris concluded.

McLaren has showcased great pace and performance against Red Bull’s current struggling pace. Woking could put forth great competition to Milton Keynes for the championship down the season. The two teams are extremely close to one another over the race weekends with McLaren having the faster chassis than Red Bull.

In case you missed it: