Max Verstappen claims Red Bull did ‘everything wrong’ during Austrian GP amidst BACKLASH over Lando Norris’ crash

Max Verstappen crashed into Lando Norris after a controversial move during the closing stages of the Austrian GP.

Max Verstappen claims Red Bull did ‘everything wrong’ during Austrian GP amidst BACKLASH over Lando Norris’ crash

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

The three-time world champion, Max Verstappen was the subject of huge criticism after an unfortunate incident took place during lap 65 of the Austrian GP between the Dutchman and McLaren’s Lando Norris. Verstappen crashed into Norris after a long-drawn duel between the two throughout the 71 laps of the race in Spielberg.

Lando Norris has been one of the closest competitors to Red Bull this campaign and has showcased his skill and prowess extensively throughout the 11 races that have taken place so far. Norris was able to close the gap to Verstappen within just a few tenths of a second during the race on Sunday but incorrect judgements from both drivers cost them the win in Austria.

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Max Verstappen hence clarified that the reason for the incident was the sheer underperformance by Red Bull, who lost a lot of time in pitstops and strategical decisions despite having a commanding lead. Verstappen came into the Austrian GP after winning the sprint and attaining pole position in qualifying, thus, he was fanciful of his chances around the Red Bull Ring, which later ended in agony for the Dutch driver.

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We basically did a lot of things wrong today. It started with the strategy, then the pitstops were a disaster. The first one was already bad, the second one was even more of a disaster. We did everything wrong that we could have done wrong. Today has just been awful.
Max Verstappen via Motorsport

Verstappen has claimed that a total of six seconds were lost in two slow pitstops by the team which allowed Norris to get closer to him in the crucial stages of the race. In light of these mishaps by the Milton-based outfit, the three-time world champion will be keen on bouncing back to winning ways in the upcoming British Grand Prix.

Christian Horner claims Max Verstappen and Lando Norris clash was foreseeable

Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner has shared his thoughts on the season-long rivalry between Verstappen and Norris. Horner claimed that the close nature of duals between the two would have eventually led to an incident, as it did during the Austrian Grand Prix.

Christian Horner and Lando Norris with Max Verstappen
Christian Horner and Lando Norris with Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
I think Max is a hard racer, and they know that. I think Lando was trying to make up for yesterday. You could see this building for perhaps a couple of races. At some point, there was going to be something close between the two of them.
Christian Horner via PlanetF1

Christian Horner supplemented his thoughts by pointing out the hard-racing nature of Verstappen while also pointing out Norris’s intention of making up for the missed chances on Saturday. However, the Red Bull boss has also asserted that an incident as such could have been avoided if the two had been just a tad bit more mindful of their efforts.

Red Bull currently leads the championship by 64 points to second-placed Ferrari who have been on a decline since the past three races. The upcoming race in Silverstone will be a decisive one for Ferrari and McLaren who will try their best to win in Britain.

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