Lando Norris and Max Verstappen are the most in-demand drivers for media members in Silverstone. Last weekend’s incident is the talk of the town, with the rivalry at the front of F1 intensifying. More wheel-to-wheel battles are likely in 2024, as the development war between Red Bull and McLaren continues.
Emotions were high after last weekend’s Austrian GP. Norris was forced to retire after being within touching distance of victory, whilst Verstappen was relegated to fifth place.
Since the Dutchman still gained 10 points on the McLaren in Spielberg, it was no surprise that Norris felt more strongly about the contact post-race.
When speaking to the media in Silverstone, Norris faced plenty of questions.
Norris: It was on the limit, but that’s what I love
The 23-year-old was candid in his reflection on the now highly controversial incident:
“Max has a very different way of racing compared to a lot of others.
“That’s some of the reason why he’s a Champion. But all in all, I’ve reviewed it and I’m excited to go again this weekend and try and do a better job.
“I think it’s clear – it’s not stuff I need to talk about. It’s clear how he races. It’s tough, it’s on the limit.
“Yeah, I think it’s what we love. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole fight I had with him.
Lando Norris, McLaren F1 Team, in his cockpit
“Of course, it’s a shame things ended the way they did. But apart from that… I’m excited to go racing again this weekend.
“Honestly, I don’t think he needed to apologise. I think some of the things I said in the [media] pen after the race were just because I was frustrated at the time.
“A lot of adrenaline, a lot of emotions. I probably said some things I didn’t necessarily believe in.”
Inevitably, after a relatively predictable 2023 season, the prospect of a rivalry at the front is an exciting one for fans and media alike.
The seeds for a battle at the front between Red Bull, McLaren Ferrari and Mercedes have been planted.
Assuming Mercedes can take another step forward, more races will be decided by fine margins and intense wheel-to-wheel engagements. Should this be the case, how the stewards respond to such incidents will continue to be scrutinised.
