Red Bull Racing has released an official statement regarding the controversial collision between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris during the Austrian Grand Prix, where both drivers sustained punctures while battling for the lead. The team has acknowledged shared responsibility for the incident.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, commented on the situation, saying that both Verstappen and Norris bear some of the blame for the crash, but he also pointed to Red Bull’s own strategic errors.
A Heated Battle Ends in Punctures
The intense 10-lap duel between Verstappen and Norris at the Red Bull Ring culminated in a collision that left both drivers with rear wheel punctures. Despite Verstappen leading comfortably by over seven seconds, a slow pit stop and a lock-up gave Norris an opportunity to challenge for the lead.
Marko’s Analysis
Marko explained the sequence of events that led to the crash: “We lost the victory due to several factors. Our pit stop went wrong, putting Lando in DRS range. We expected the hard tyres to be better, but the lower-than-expected temperatures worked against us. This, combined with Max’s lock-up after his pit stop in Turn 4, made it difficult for us.”
The Collision
The incident occurred on lap 64 as Norris attempted to overtake Verstappen in the Turn 3 braking zone. As Verstappen edged left, the cars made wheel-to-wheel contact, resulting in punctures for both. Verstappen managed to pit and rejoin the race, finishing in fifth place despite receiving a 10-second penalty. Norris, however, was forced to retire his car.
Shared Responsibility
Addressing the collision directly, Marko said, “I think they both drove unnecessarily fiercely. Perhaps we should have intervened, knowing there was an investigation into Lando’s track limits. With hindsight, we could have told Max to let him go, considering Norris was facing a five-second penalty for exceeding track limits.”
Moving Forward
Despite the setback, Marko highlighted the positives: “We increased our lead in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. It was a great fight until it degenerated. Instead of focusing on a fair finish, the situation escalated into a contest of who brakes where and who grabs more track limits.”
Championship Standings
Crossing the finish line in fifth, Verstappen extended his lead in the Drivers’ standings to 81 points over Norris, while Red Bull now holds a 64-point lead over Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship.
Conclusion
Red Bull’s reflection on the incident underscores the fine margins and high stakes in Formula 1, where split-second decisions and strategic missteps can significantly impact race outcomes. As the season progresses, the team will undoubtedly look to learn from this experience to maintain their competitive edge.
