By Michael Madyira
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris were left blaming each other following a costly collision that made way for Mercedes Benz’s George Russell to win Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix.
In a gripping race at the Red Bull Ring, McLaren driver Norris was attempting to overtake Verstappen but they made contact with eight laps remaining at turn three as the pair fought for the lead.
That forced Norris to retire from the race while the Dutchman finished fifth following a ten-second penalty from the stewards for causing the collision.
The two were always complaining about each other’s driving and Russell made the most of the clash to claim victory.
McLaren’s Oscar Pistri came second while Carlos Sainz of Ferrari took the last podium slot as Lewis Hamilton claimed fourth spot.
But the major talking point of the race was the clash which sparked a blame game.
“You are not allowed to react, he [Verstappen] did it three times out of three, two times I avoided it,” said Norris after the race as per The Guardian.
“The third time he ran into me. He ruined his own race, as much as he ruined mine. It was not my own fault.”
“If he says he did nothing wrong, I will lose a lot of respect for that. If he admits to being a bit stupid and a bit reckless, I will lose a small amount of respect because it is tough to take.”
Red Bull in turn blamed Norris and Verstappen also described the incident as “unfortunate stuff you don’t want to see happening.”
“Of course. Yeah, sure. That’s just ridiculous,” said Verstappen on a radio call after being informed of the penalty imposed on him.*
“He [Norris] could just send it left or right, what does he want me to do?”
It was a race Verstappen also complained about his tyres as Norris too fought his tyres.
But in the end, Russell crossed the line first in what was Mercedes’ first win since the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix.
The Briton was under pressure from Piastri but managed to hold on to his lead after taking advantage of the collision.
However, Verstappen maintains his championship lead of 81 points ahead of next weekend’s British Grand Prix.
Pictured above: George Russell after winning the Austrian Grand Prix
Image source: Formula 1
