Norris, Austria, McLaren — Photo: © LAT Images

Austrian Grand Prix

Norris brands Perez "stupid" after penalty denies P2

Norris finished third at the Red Bull Ring

Ewan Gale

Sunday 4 July 2021 17:10

Lando Norris has branded Sergio Perez "stupid" after being penalised for pushing the Red Bull driver wide on his way to clinching yet another podium at the Austrian Grand Prix.

The McLaren driver started second and was fending off the Mexican's advances into turn four, leading to Perez running into the gravel and dropping to 10th after attempting a move around the outside.

Norris' penalty meant Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas could jump ahead at the pit stop window, eventually finishing second ahead of the British driver.

"It was a lot of fun, it was a good race and it was exciting," said Norris.

"I am disappointed because we should have been second place. I thought it was just racing really, he tried to go around the outside which was a bit stupid and he ran off the track himself, I didn't even push him.

"I don't know, I am frustrated but I am also happy with P3."

Norris hopes Mercedes fighting pace continues

Norris' podium was completed with an overtake on an ailing Lewis Hamilton, who was suffering from a loss of rear downforce due to floor damage after running one of the sausage kerbs at the Red Bull Ring.

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The McLaren driver did, however, keep pace with Bottas, getting within 1.2secs of the Finn before dropping out of the dirty air in the final few laps.

"I think we had good pace, I could keep up with him a lot even in the dirty air but not enough to get into the DRS," explained Norris.

"As soon as I got close to one second I started struggling too much. It is nice to know we can be there and we can race them.

"It was probably the first race in many years that we are actually racing the Mercedes and the Red Bulls but hopefully we can keep that up next time."