Yuki Tsunoda defends Max Verstappen over backlash due to Lando Norris clash

Yuki Tsunoda reckoned that Max Verstappen did not move under braking against Lando Norris at the Red Bull Ring.

Yuki Tsunoda defends Max Verstappen over backlash due to Lando Norris clash

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris with Yuki Tsunoda (images via IMAGO)

The recent crash between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen at the Austrian GP has turned into a controversial drama. Several F1 personalities and drivers had different opinions on the situation. Yuki Tsunoda who drives for Red Bull’s sister team, RB also expressed his opinion on the incident involving his teammate.

The Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda believed Max Verstappen’s actions at the Spielberg crash weren’t too harsh. Tsunoda viewed the crash as a normal part of racing rather than something intentional or dangerous. He claimed that Verstappen was not behaving intentionally by moving under braking, which is often a debatable issue in racing. Tsunoda explained that such incidents are common and not necessarily sign of reckless driving. The 24-year-old stated incidents like these are part of the competitive nature in F1.

To be honest, everyone does it. [Max] was not driving dangerously and not a case of moving under braking.
Yuki Tsunoda said, as reported by motorsporttotal.com
YouTube video

Further, Tsunoda thought that it was just Verstappen’s strategy where drivers apply pressure on their competitors to defend their position. This would make it difficult for the opponent to overtake, they force them to take more risks, which can sometimes lead to contact between cars.

FS Video
It is quite normal to put a bit of pressure on the other driver and not let them overtake voluntarily. And this can also lead to contact
Yuki Tsunoda added

Kevin Magnussen claims Max Verstappen ‘paid the price’ of the collision in the race itself

Kevin Magnussen when asked in an interview about the crash. He suggested that in some racing series like IndyCar and Sportscars, there’s a different approach to managing on-track incidents. The Haas driver argued for letting drivers resolve conflicts naturally during races, similar to how it’s handled there. Verstappen had already paid the price by puncturing his own tire during the collision. Magnussen explained In F1, drivers are closely watched by race officials who penalize them for rule violations during races. This is different from other racing series where drivers are allowed more freedom to race aggressively without immediate penalties.

Max paid the price already by having a puncture. So I think some of the things they should just let the drivers sort it out in a natural way, it works out in other racing series very well, IndyCar, Sports Cars and in the US, they have that approach and it works out well.
Kevin Magnussen said
Kevin Magnussen
Kevin Magnussen (Via: Imago)

Magnussen further explained that racing is tough in some series. The rules are straightforward and clear, making it easier for drivers to understand what they can and can’t do on the track. This helps drivers focus more on racing and less on worrying about penalties.

The racing is tough over there, everyone understands the rules and it's more simple.
Kevin Magnussen added

Certainly, Kevin Magnussen thought the discussion of Max Verstappen crash shall end now and they must focus on the upcoming races in Silverstone. Fans are hoping for another exciting and thrilling weekend just as it was in Austria.

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