Helmut Marko’s Take on Verstappen-Norris Clash: “Unnecessarily Fierce”
Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko has described the incident between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris as “unnecessarily fierce” after a dramatic Austrian Grand Prix. The collision between the two took place on lap 64 as they vied for the lead into Turn 3. Verstappen veered slightly to the left while braking, entering Norris’ path, leading to punctures for the two drivers and giving George Russell an unexpected victory at the Red Bull Ring.
Verstappen received a 10-second penalty for his part in the incident, but it did not significantly affect his finishing position, which was fifth. On the other hand, Norris was forced to abandon the race due to the damage suffered.
Thoughts from Helmut Marko
Commenting on the race, Marko told ServusTV: “We lost the victory due to several factors. The fact that our pit stop went wrong put Lando in the DRS zone. We thought the hard tires would be the best choice, but this was not the case.
Marko explained that Norris had fresh tires in his final stint, while Verstappen was on worn tires, which was also a deciding factor. He also mentioned that Verstappen locked the wheels after his pit stop in Turn 4, further complicating the situation for Red Bull.
Considerations about Interventions
Marko admitted that Red Bull could have intervened, as Norris was under investigation for exceeding track limits and was penalized five seconds shortly after the collision on lap 64. “I think they both drove in an unnecessarily fierce manner,” Marko added.
“Maybe we should have intervened, because we knew there was an ongoing investigation into Lando and the limitations of the track. We didn’t know yet if he would be punished. In hindsight, we could have said, ‘Let it pass’.”
Championship positions
Despite the incident, Marko stressed that Red Bull managed to increase its lead in the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. “It was a great fight until it escalated in some way. Who brakes where, who exceeds the limits of the track instead of focusing on a fair finish?”
The incident between Verstappen and Norris at the Austrian GP was a mix of strategy, mistakes, and late decisions. While Marko regrets the loss of the victory due to several factors, he also recognizes the importance of a more strategic approach in such situations. Red Bull nevertheless emerges strengthened with an increased lead in the championships, preparing for the next races with lessons learned and renewed determination.
