Max Verstappen claims he and Lando Norris have agreed to ‘race hard’ despite controversy over Austrian GP crash

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris crashed into each other during an incident on lap 64 of the Austrian GP.

Max Verstappen claims he and Lando Norris have agreed to ‘race hard’ despite controversy over Austrian GP crash

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris (via IMAGO)

Red Bull Racing driver, Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris suffered an inevitable racing incident during the closing stages of the Austrian Grand Prix. The collision of the two drivers caused punctures in both their cars, with Norris having to retire early due to a greater extent of damage to his MCL38.

Ever since the incident, there has been much debate between McLaren and Red Bull, with each blaming the other driver for the crash. However, all seems to be well between the two confidantes, who have spoken on clear terms this week leading up to the British Grand Prix.

YouTube video

Max Verstappen said that he and Lando Norris had a discussion about the incident while being regretful for it but had agreed to continue racing hard despite the risks involved. Verstappen asserted that Norris and he are two drivers who are built to race close and fast to maximize their outcomes on the track for their respective teams, which is what an F1 racer should be doing.

FS Video
It was a shame but we also said to each other, ‘we have to race each other hard’ because that’s what we like to do – both of us – and that’s what we’ll continue to do.
Max Verstappen said ahead of the British GP

Max Verstappen currently leads the championship by 81 points over second-placed Lando Norris, a major challenger to the Dutchman this campaign. As the sport heads into the final race of the exciting triple-header, the two drivers/friends will be looking to put on a show around the fast-paced circuit of Silverstone with hopes of returning to the top spots.

Max Verstappen relates to Lando Norris over Austrian GP incident

Lando Norris is currently on a desperate hunt for his second career win in F1, the first of which he achieved in Miami this year. In light of this, Max Verstappen has related his thoughts to that of Norris as the Dutch driver looks back upon the incident between the two in Spielberg.

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris (via IMAGO)
You also have to realize he's fighting for his second potential win, I'm fighting for my 62nd win. I think naturally your emotions are a little bit different, because I know that for myself when I was fighting for these first wins in F1.
Max Verstappen said ahead of the British GP

Lando Norris earlier clarified his stance on the incident while speaking to the media in Silverstone. He said that a lot of adrenaline and frustration were involved in his reaction after the incident in Austria. However, Verstappen has cut out as a humble figure, supporting Norris’s decision to make the move, saying he’d have done the same during the search for his first wins in the top flight.

Norris and Verstappen have been friends since their early days in karting and have shown some good instances of clean but hard racing this campaign. The two drivers will now be looking to avoid any such incidents in their racing endeavors for the upcoming races of the season but will also be keen on remembering their purpose on track, which is to win.

In case you missed it: