The criticism following his momentous maneuver at Spielberg, which led to the collision with Lando Norris, bounces off Max Verstappen.
A few days after the race in Austria, in which he collided with Briton Norris in the battle for victory, three-time Formula 1 world champion Verstappen made it clear what is important to him. "The only thing that mattered after this weekend was my friendship with Lando," emphasized the Dutchman in the paddock of the British Grand Prix.
The 26-year-old Verstappen in the Red Bull and the two years younger McLaren driver collided last Sunday. The rather light contact was enough to end the race prematurely for Norris. Verstappen was given a ten-second time penalty by the race stewards for the incident, but he still managed to cross the finish line in fifth place and extended his lead in the championship standings to 81 points. Norris had subsequently demanded an apology, among other things, but rowed back at Silverstone.
"Lando is a class act," emphasized Verstappen. He was fighting for his possible second Grand Prix victory, while he himself was fighting for his 62nd, said the Dutchman: "It's clear that the emotions are different."
That's why he let tempers cool down first, explained Verstappen. Norris had previously said that they had spoken on both Monday and Wednesday. He did not give any details. According to Norris, it is now "business as usual".
Verstappen also commented on the criticism of his driving style following the incident at the Austrian Grand Prix. "I don't give a shit about that. I'm going home and living my life," he said.
