After colliding with Lando Norris during the Austrian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen was given a 10-second penalty. A former Formula One mechanic accused Verstappen of breaching the rules.
Max Verstappen of Red Bull has been charged with driving while “immature” and breaching the rules during the chaotic Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday.
Former Formula 1 mechanic Marc Priestley hypothesized that the Dutchman might have received a heavier punishment in one of his favorite races. After being judged to be at fault for a late collision with Lando Norris, Verstappen, 26, received a 10-second penalty and ended up fifth in the Spielberg.
After a close race for the majority of it, the McLaren driver was forced to retire after a collision at turn three on lap 64. Verstappen’s situation improved significantly, though, as he changed to new tires just before the finish line.
Broadcaster Priestley said that although he approved of the three-time world champion’s penalty, Verstappen could have been given a harsher penalty. He even made hints that the Red Bull star might break additional rules, one of which was instituted as a result of his own prior behavior.
Priestley posted on his YouTube channel, saying, “We saw a disastrous pit stop, which brought Lando Norris back into play” (via the Daily Express ). “Although that may be a bit harsh, we definitely saw some dubious driving from Max Verstappen when he was under pressure. We also saw some dubious strategy decisions.”
“It seemed as though we were witnessing Verstappen from his early days in the sport, when he was criticized for his aggressive driving style, dubious maneuvers, and braking while moving.”
“I find it very strange that they even introduced a rule prohibiting moving while braking because of Verstappen, but Verstappen himself seemed to break that rule, even though the stewards didn’t seem to agree necessarily.”
In an attempt to prevent drivers from using braking as a defensive tactic, the “Verstappen rule” was implemented in 2016. However, it was swiftly superseded by a more comprehensive ban on risky and unpredictable driving practices. Verstappen insisted following the race on Sunday that he didn’t think any of his maneuvers qualified as moving under braking.
Priestley continued by claiming that when it became clear Norris had the advantage, Verstappen tried to “push” him off the track. Reminiscent of the younger Verstappen, he implies that the leader of the championship might have escaped more penalty for those acts.
He continued, “Max was still desperate to stop Lando from passing, even though he had a little bit more grip at that point because his tire hadn’t given up.” “After the incident, it would almost seem angry—at least, it would appear angry.
“I believe that to be just as dangerous, if not more so, because it appeared to be a spiteful act of revenge. Now, let me say that this is just my opinion, but it seemed to be the same immature Max that we have seen in the past, which is not something we have grown accustomed to in recent years.”
Speaking following the checkered flag in Austria, Priestley emphasized that while he has “huge respect” for Verstappen, he didn’t feel the same way about the race on Sunday as the current champion grew increasingly desperate. Despite George Russell’s victory, Verstappen finished fifth to maintain his lead at the top of the leaderboard, and Norris had a disappointing afternoon as he dropped further off the pace.
