Verstappen fires back after Norris crash criticism

Max Verstappen has responded to criticism he received following his clash with Lando Norris at the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend.

Verstappen was involved in a late-race clash with Norris as they battled for the lead, resulting in terminal damage for the McLaren driver.

The stewards deemed Verstappen to be at fault, issuing the Dutchman a 10-second time penalty as well as two penalty points on his super licence.

Verstappen was criticised by some after the race, with his defence being labelled as “sketchy” while McLaren also took aim at his past record.

However, Verstappen asserted he is unmoved by those who have spoken out against him as he seeks to maintain his strong relationship with Norris.

“I don't give a shit about that,” the three-time world champion told media including RacingNews365. “I go home, I live my life.

“The only thing that I care about is just my relationship with Lando.”

Verstappen will not raise matter in F1 meeting

Despite being penalised, Verstappen managed to extend his lead in the drivers' championship with Norris forced to drop out of the race.

While Verstappen disagrees with his penalty, the Dutchman will not raise the matter in the traditional drivers' briefing on Friday.

“I don't need to bring it up because even if you get a penalty for these kinds of things, there have been way worse things happening under braking or leaving space to another car in the past.

“Naturally I don't agree with a 10-second penalty. 

“But again, for me, the only thing that was very important coming out of that weekend was just my relationship with Lando.

“Every person is different, every person reacts a bit differently to things. I have a good relationship with Lando, so I know because how he is as well as a person.

“That's what I'm focusing on, looking at the past is of no interest to me.”