McLaren group principal Andrea Stella says Max Verstappen’s over-aggressive drive towards Land Norris on the Austrian Grand Prix resulted within the Dutchman not being penalized for the same drive towards Lewis Hamilton in 2021.
Verstappen was attempting to carry onto the lead from Norris on the Pink Bull Ring on Sunday when the pair made contact with eight laps to go, leaving the McLaren with late race injury and the world champion ending fifth after pitting with a puncture.
The stewards handed Verstappen a 10-second penalty for inflicting the collision, judging that he didn’t depart sufficient room for Norris on the surface of flip three.
“I can see that the complete inhabitants of the world will know who’s accountable, aside from a gaggle of individuals,” Stella stated Sky Sports activities F1.
“However the issue is, in the event you do not take care of these items truthfully, they’ll come again. They’re again at present as a result of they weren’t addressed correctly up to now when there have been fights with Lewis that ought to have been punished extra severely.
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Pink Bull group principal Christian Horner believes Lando Norris was given sufficient area to keep away from crashing into Max Verstappen, whereas McLaren boss Andrea Stella believes the Pink Bull driver was in charge for the incident.
“Now you are going to learn to race in a sure means that we will take into account truthful.”
Verstappen has made some controversial strikes throughout his extremely charged title battle with Hamilton in 2021, with contact between the pair at Imola, Silverstone, Monza and Jeddah, whereas the Briton was pressured to take evasive motion to keep away from one other conflict in Brazil.
He requested Sky Sports activities F1 Ted Kravitz, when he was referring to the incident in Brazil 2021 between Verstappen and Hamilton, Stella replied: “Sure, there are various episodes.
“The factor is, we’ve got a lot respect for Pink Bull, a lot respect for Max – they do not have to try this. It is a method to virtually jeopardize your status. Why would you try this?”
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Anthony Davidson was on SkyPad to ship the decision on whether or not Max Verstappen or Lando Norris was in charge for the crash that price each their likelihood of victory
With Verstappen ending fifth and Norris not scoring a single level, the world championship chief’s lead over second on the high of the standings has grown to 81 factors.
Verstappen isn’t the primary sporting nice to face scrutiny for his driving model, seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher has additionally come underneath fireplace for a number of high-profile crashes throughout his profession.
When requested if Verstappen’s model was that of a tricky driver to undertake, Stella stated: “I believe the stewards felt that Max was fully in charge for this episode. So it is not about racing by pilot, it is about racing underneath rules.
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McLaren driver Lando Norris fumed after a collision with Pink Bull’s Max Verstappen pressured him to retire from the Austrian Grand Prix
“And the principles should be enforced in an efficient means, as a result of if a automotive goes out of the race on account of that accident, the punishment needs to be proportionate to the end result.
“And earlier than this episode, we moved twice underneath braking. So I believe it is simply apparent that we’ve got to observe the way in which we race as a result of we wish to have enjoyable, we wish to take pleasure in ourselves.”
‘No correlation’ – Wolff defends Verstappen
Mercedes group principal Toto Wolff disagreed with Stella’s evaluation of Verstappen’s driving, claiming “it takes two” to tango.
Wolff has repeatedly criticized Verstappen’s dealing with of the 2021 season, however the Mercedes boss not too long ago launched an assault on the Dutchman as he tried to lure him away from Pink Bull.
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Highlights of the Austrian Grand Prix from the Pink Bull Ring
“I do not assume you may draw that conclusion,” Wolff stated in his post-race press convention.
“In a means, it has been so lengthy on our finish. We simply must… we’re in a special place at present and I believe he’s. And it takes two to tango.
“Truthfully, I did not see the race. I did not see Land and Max race. I did not see all of it occur. So I’ve to see first earlier than I’ve an opinion, however I would not see it as a giant consequence of 2021 not being properly managed to what occurs in 2024.
“I do not assume there is a correlation.”
F1’s summer season triple-header ends with the large one, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Watch each session dwell on Sky Sports activities F1 and Sky Showcase, with Sunday’s race at 3pm. Stream each F1 race and extra with NOW Sports activities Month membership – no contract, cancel anytime
