Red Bull Racingâs Max Verstappen and McLarenâs Lando Norris engaged in a showdown that ended disastrously at the Austrian Grand Prix, prompting pundits to question the moves of the 3-time world champion. The incident not only forced Norris out of the race but also saw Verstappen limping to a fifth-place finish, albeit after a puncture and a 10-second penalty. But it was his driving directly after the clash that saw questions arise.
Veteran commentator Martin Brundle, a voice of authority in racing analysis for over four decades, shared his concerns over the aggressive on-track behavior exhibited by Verstappen post-collision. According to his column for Sky Sports, he said:
“Did he know he was there?” he asked. “He confirmed post-race that he did, he’s on top of it all well enough. They touched and it finished Norris’s race and left Verstappen limping home for three-quarters of a lap with a puncture.
“What I found alarming is that after the contact and as they were both limping along, Verstappen clearly tried to impede and collect Norris if he could.” This assertive move by Verstappen might reflect a regression to his more impulsive early-career racing tactics, suggesting a temporary veiling of the matured, strategic competitor we’ve seen in recent times.
âIn commentary, and in these columns, I’ve waxed lyrical about Max’s talent, and I stand by that,” Brundle continued. “He’s one of the very best I’ve ever witnessed in 40 years.
âI’ve also said that he’s calmed down, matured, and plays more the percentage game with three championships in his pocket. But that appears to have been a thin veneer as this race was very much Max 1.0, with his default driving tactics and denials resurfacing.”
The pundit questioned if the ramifications of the on-track clash were compounded by off-track drama involving a dispute between Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal, and Max’s father, Jos Verstappen. The latter withdrew from a Legends Parade, igniting speculations over internal conflicts affecting Verstappenâs mental game.
“I’m making no excuses for him, but I do wonder if the ridiculous spat between his father Jos and team boss Christian Horner has finally surfaced on track for him,” Brundle speculated.
Further adding to the complexity of the situation, Brundle criticized the Red Bull teamâs post-race communications, describing it as a “difficult listen” as the Milton Keynes squad blamed it the clash on the McLaren driver.
“It damages their credibility all round,” Brundle asserted.
On the flip side, Norris faced criticism for his bold but perhaps overly eager approach. Brundle advised:
“It must also be said that Lando’s race craft was rather gung-ho. He’ll need more finesse, patience, and cunning than that if he wants to start beating Max regularly to win a championship.”
News
These manipulated photos are the original political deepfakes
Long before artificial intelligence, photographers altered images to burnish the reputations of politiciansâfrom Lincoln to Stalin. The rise of artificial intelligence or AI has made photo manipulation easier and more accessible than ever. And under the right circumstances, these images…
America is still dealing with the pandemic’s scars, psychologists say
Many people have found themselves lonely and exhausted but anxious about connecting with others. Here’s why experts are worried about the loss of unplanned, informal interactions. In the years since lockdown, many peopleâespecially youthâhave found themselves in a catch-22: lonely…
These ancient cities sunk to the ocean floor. Here’s how they were rediscovered.
Lost cities sunken beneath the waves are not just myths. Many coastal communities were swallowed up by the sea in the ancient worldâtheir streets, homes, and temples all submerged under relentless tides. For millennia legends swirled about these places, but…
Centerpiece of the National World War I Memorial to Be Delivered to Washington, DC
 Photo Credit: DANIEL SLIM / AFP / Getty Images Almost a decade in the making, the centerpiece of the National World War I Memorial is finally slated to arrive in Washington, DC. The 58-foot-long, 10-foot-tall bronze sculpture, called âA Soldierâs…
Offset Finally Speaks Out On Why He Chose Jade Over Cardi B Despite Having Two Children With Cardi B
Offset Opens Up About Choosing Jade Over Cardi B: A Closer Look Into Celebrity Relationships. In the whirlwind world of celebrity relationships, where headlines are often dominated by twists and turns, one particular love triangle has captured the attention of…
Cardi B Gets Into A Dispute With Milagro Gramz Following A Mishap At The Bet Experience Show.
Cardi B headlined the BET Experience Concert Series in Los Angeles, marking its return this weekend, but encountered technical difficulties during the show. Known for her passionate performances, Cardi B expressed frustration towards the production crew for missing cues, prompting…
End of content
No more pages to load
