The hot topic discussed in the preparations for the British Formula 1 Grand Prix was the clash between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris in Austria last weekend. Verstappen and Norris were side by side in the battle for the lead at the Red Bull Ring, forcing Norris to drop out of the race.

Verstappen was able to continue the race and win in fifth place to extend his championship lead, despite a 10-second penalty.
But what do other riders think about this incident? Many of them were asked about the incident on Thursday before the British Grand Prix.
The majority of the drivers downplayed the significance of the clash, while RB’s Daniel Ricciardo insisted that there was no ill intention in the battle. “You’re fighting to win and you’re not just waving at someone,” Ricciardo said. “I think collision, that can happen nine times out of 10 without any consequences. They went back and forth, maybe the angle was a bit awkward. “The results are bigger than what could happen on the track. Nothing seems excessive. Is it too much? Maybe? But is anything dangerous or reckless? As far as I can see, no.”

Ricciardo’s former teammate Nico Hulkenberg also has a similar opinion. “It’s racing for me,” he said. “It was almost no impact, it was the lightest impact. I don’t think you can have fewer collisions. Apparently it was pretty bad when they collided, both rims were broken because of it. “Normally you get away with that type of exposure. It feels like everything is pretty mixed up and dramatic, and for me, it’s just racing.”

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc pointed out a similar situation he encountered with Verstappen at this same corner. “Looking at the images, I think we had a very similar situation in 2022 when I squeezed Max a little on the outside and he had to go to the curb,” said the Ferrari driver. “So I think both sides can avoid it.” Lewis Hamilton, who has a well-documented history of clashes with Verstappen, will not be drawn into the subject: “I don’t think anything about it. I’m more interested in my race and enjoying the win of the team.” However, there is still a sense of frustration about the clarity of what is and is not allowed when participating in wheel-to-wheel racing.

“It’s frustrating having to go back and forth with the rules,” said Haas’ Kevin Magnussen. “I think maybe they just need to make it more free. At the end of the day, Max paid, he was fined, which I assume was right according to the rules. “But in the end, he received a natural penalty with a tire puncture. So there was no benefit to him driving the way he did at that time.” Yuki Tsunoda said detailing Verstappen’s movements in the braking zone is a common strategy used by many drivers.

“There are rules, if someone moves while braking, they will be clearly penalized,” he said. “Max moved under braking but Max was next to him. Everyone does the same, to put pressure on the other cars, not to let the other car easily change their direction of [road] to get a better exit. “Sometimes it happens, if you put too much pressure, the rear tire or something makes contact. I’m sure Max learned from that and wouldn’t do it again in the same way.” This topic will be discussed at the regular drivers’ meeting on Friday – it is possible that the meeting will last longer than is reasonable. “I’m sure we’ll have a two-hour driver briefing,” Logan Sargeant said with a laugh. “Maybe I’ll sleep in the back at the end. But no, I’m sure it will be discussed.”