Max Verstappen’s aggressive defending and questionable tactics in Austria have come under renewed fire, with former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley calling his post-collision actions “petulant” and “more dangerous” than the initial contact with Lando Norris.
Collision or Retribution?
The drama unfolded on lap 64 as Verstappen and Norris battled for the win. Verstappen, attempting to retake the lead from Norris, moved left under braking at Turn 3, causing a collision that left both cars with punctures.
Stewards Verdict and Driver Frustration
The stewards deemed Verstappen “predominantly” responsible for the incident, handing him a 10-second penalty. However, Norris believes the penalty doesn’t go far enough.
Moving Under Braking: A Questionable Tactic
Priestley, critical of the stewards for not penalizing Verstappen for earlier “moving under braking” maneuvers, emphasized the dangers of such tactics. He explained that drivers rely on precise braking zones and any last-minute changes can trigger accidents.
Red Bull Defends Verstappen
Red Bull maintains Verstappen was simply racing hard and the clash was a racing incident. The 10-second penalty, in their view, was a fair outcome.
Verstappen's Fury on Display?
While the initial collision raised eyebrows, it was Verstappen’s actions after the contact that truly troubled Priestley. Despite a clear puncture, Verstappen allegedly swerved towards Norris on the straight after Turn 3, in what Priestley interprets as a deliberate attempt to impede him.
A Step Back for Verstappen?
Priestley expressed disappointment in Verstappen’s behavior, contrasting it with his recent composure under pressure. He worries this incident might be a regression to Verstappen’s earlier, more aggressive driving style.
The Debate Continues
The Austrian GP controversy continues to simmer. Did Verstappen miscalculate or was it a deliberate act of retaliation? The stewards’ decision and Red Bull’s defense are facing scrutiny, while Priestley’s take on the post-collision incident adds a new layer to the debate.
