Hulkenberg accuses stewards of ‘overreacting’ to Verstappen-Norris clash

Haas Formula 1 driver Nico Hulkenberg has accused the stewards of 'overreacting' to on-track drama at last weekend's Austrian Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris were involved in a late-race crash at the event from the Red Bull Ring last weekend while battling for the lead.

The stewards issued Verstappen a 10-second time penalty and two penalty points after deeming the Dutchman guilty of causing the collision.

However, Hulkenberg has suggested Verstappen's punishment was unjustified.

“It was racing for me,” Hulkenberg told media including RacingNews365. “It was next to no contact, it was the slightest of contact. I don't think you could have less contact.

“It was just obviously quite bad how they hit, both rims broke from that. But usually you get away with that kind of contact.

“It felt it was all biffed up quite a bit and dramatic and for me it was just racing.

“To be honest, for me, Max wasn't doing much. He was more or less driving a straight line, we have to leave a car width, which I think there was. There was still kerb on the left and not a wall.

“I think the stewards got involved quite a lot last weekend.”

Hulkenberg admits to racing F1 drivers differently

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella suggested Verstappen's driving in Austria was a result of his aggressive manoeuvres during the 2021 title fight against Lewis Hamilton.

When asked if drivers are conscious of racing some of their peers differently from others, Hulkenberg replied: “Yes. You're right. 

“You have to know that and be aware of that and take that kind of thing into your calculations or strategy and just be aware of that fact.”

However, Hulkenberg believes the stewards injected themselves too much into the racing action last weekend at the Red Bull Ring.

“The stewards got very involved and were very active handing out a lot of time penalties and things,” he said.

“I think there was a little bit of overreacting on some occasions.”