F1 News: Red Bull advisor calls Lando Norris 'pathetic' after Max Verstappen incident

Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, Social, Photoshop, 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

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Red Bull advisor calls Norris 'pathetic' after Verstappen incident

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen collided at the Austrian GP

Kevin McKenna

Wednesday 3 July 2024 20:00

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has criticized the behaviour of Lando Norris after the Austrian Grand Prix.

The McLaren star was involved in a late collision with Max Verstappen while battling for the lead on lap 64 of the race.

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The pair came together as the McLaren star attempted to move around the outside of his rival, resulting in both cars suffering punctures.

Verstappen was able to recover with a fresh tyre to finish P5, while the extensive damage to Norris' vehicle forced the Brit to retire from the race which was eventually won by his compatriot George Russell.

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen collided at the Austrian Grand Prix

George Russell stole in to secure a surprise win at the Red Bull Ring

Title rivals set to 'talk things out'

A visibly frustrated Norris, meanwhile, questioned whether the duo could remain close friends given what had transpired at the Red Bull Ring, and called for the Dutchman to apologise.

Speaking to OE24, Red Bull chief Marko - who previously admitted his team were partly to blame - revealed the pair will meet to clear the air, but criticised Norris for comments made both during and after the race.

Helmut Marko was less than impressed with Norris' comments at the weekend

“Norris' comments that Max should apologize are not very helpful," said the Austrian. "But they will meet to talk things out."

When asked why those discussions hadn't already on the return flight, given they usually fly together, the 81-year-old revealed they had travelled separately on this occasion.

He added: "Norris' behaviour on the radio was pathetic - but things like that happen and I would write it off as a racing accident, although Norris was more likely to have overstepped the mark."

Max Verstappen McLaren Lando Norris George Russell Helmut Marko Austrian Grand Prix