Lando Norris no longer expects apology from Max Verstappen over Austria crash

Norris called Verstappen ‘reckless, stupid and desperate’ in the hours after their coming together in Spielberg

Philip Duncan
Thursday 04 July 2024 11:49 EDT
Comments
Horner Defends Verstappen Over Norris Crash

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Lando Norris performed a U-turn after he insisted Max Verstappen does not need to apologise for their collision at last Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix.

Norris called Verstappen “reckless, stupid and desperate” in the hours after their coming together as they duelled for the lead in Spielberg.

The McLaren driver also called on Verstappen, who was penalised by the stewards for being at fault for the accident, to admit he was at fault.

But speaking ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix, Norris, who said he has spoken with Verstappen since Sunday’s race, had changed his tune.

“Some of the things I said after the race was because I was frustrated,” said Norris, 24.

“There was a lot of adrenalin, lot of emotions and some of the things I said I don’t necessarily believe in.

“He doesn’t need to apologise and I don’t expect an apology (from him). It was good racing, at times close to the edge, but we have spoken about it and we are happy to go racing again.”

Norris was forced to retire with damage from the incident, while Verstappen recovered to fifth to extend his championship lead over the British driver from 71 points to 81.

Norris continued: “It was a pathetic incident in that it ended both of our races. It was a small bit of contact, but with terrible consequences for both of us.

“There are things I need to do differently but he (Verstappen) is not going to change too much.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in