Max Verstappen deflected blame after coming together with Lando Norris late on at the Austrian Grand Prix, labelling the 10-second time penalty decision as “ridiculous”.
Verstappen was defending from Norris in the latter stages before contact between the duo was made at Turn 3.
The clash resulted in Norris’ retirement from the race while Verstappen crossed the line in fifth place – despite being handed a 10-second time penalty.
Verstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase informed Verstappen of his punishment.
Lambiase: “Max, just a heads up – you were given a 10-second penalty for that incident with Lando, in case you are quizzed about that.
Verstappen: “Of course. Yeah, sure. That’s just ridiculous. He could just send it left or right, what does he want me to do?
Christian Horner: “Yeah, he didn’t behave correctly there Max. Desperately unlucky but you did your very best.
Verstappen: “Yeah I mean the race as well was also just shit, to be honest. I need things to improve on but it is what it is.”
Verstappen was also criticised by ex-F1 driver and now-Sky Sport commentator Martin Brundle
“Max reverting to early years Max, old Max,” Brundle said. “Just getting a little bit too… getting the razor blades on his elbows into the braking zones.
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