“I see what Max did as more within the limits than what Lando did” : Helmut Marko
The 2024 Austrian GP had an exciting conclusion, as Lando Norris and Max Verstappen’s late collision completely changed the dynamics of the race. As a result of their clash, the Red Bull driver who was leading the race with six laps remaining, could only finish P5. On the other hand, Lando Norris had to retire his car which ended his race.
There were different point of views on the late collision between the two drivers. Red Bull Director Helmut Marko weighed in on the incident, and believes that it was reckless driving in the end by both the drivers. However, he believes that Lando Norris was more to blame here than Max Verstappen.
Helmut Marko acknowledged that the two drivers were putting up a great show before their unnecessary incident. At the end, Max Verstappen was awarded a 10-second penalty which did not impact his final position on the grid, as he was well clear of Nico Hulkenberg, who was running in P6.
“It was a very tough duel, where I believe it sometimes went beyond what was necessary. We knew that Lando had already crossed the white line three times. That was a procedure. That action brought both of them back. Lando was completely out of the race, and Max was deprived of the victory, which I saw as completely unnecessary,” said Marko.
Helmut Marko defends Max Verstappen after widespread criticism
Max Verstappen has been criticized by several fans and pundits for his reckless and aggressive driving. The Dutchman was blamed for moving too often in the braking zone, which led to Lando Norris exceeding track limits.
However, Helmut Marko believes that the McLaren driver exceeded track limits in other parts of the circuit as well. He claimed that it was a big shame for the crash to happen, as it could have been resolved in a much better manner.
Helmut Marko added that the temperatures during the race were below their expectations, as they had to alter their race strategy. He stated that Red Bull had to move to a medium-tyre race strategy which was not initially in their plans as they expected higher temperatures.
“It was a shame because it was a great fight. It started with us not having any new medium tyres and that the pit stop went wrong for us the first time. It was unnecessary hard driving from both drivers, and it could have been resolved differently. “I see what Max did as more within the limits than what Lando did,” said Marko.
“The temperatures were significantly lower than we had anticipated. It was overcast. The asphalt temperature was also much lower. As a result, the hard tyre didn’t work as we had expected. We were actually forced to go on the used medium, which was not initially planned.”
“It shows that you can’t afford the slightest mistake, like our pit stop going wrong, being surprised by the tyre strategy and temperature. And then it becomes difficult,” he added.
