Verstappen moves labelled 'sketchy' in Norris fight

Ex-Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer has taken issue with three instances of Max Verstappen's driving during his battle with Lando Norris in Austria.

The pair contested the lead of the grand prix late on but came to blows on lap 64, denying both the opportunity to seal the win.

Verstappen would classify in fifth place after fitting a new set of tyres following a puncture while Norris' damage eliminated him from the grand prix.

Norris attempted several overtaking manoeuvres on Verstappen into Turn 3, with Palmer suggesting Verstappen was guilty of unfavourable driving prior to the clash.

“I thought Max did three things that were sketchy,” Palmer told F1TV. “I thought moving under braking the first time was a very grey area and that is his own rule that has been imposed because of him.

“Number two, keeping the place by going off the track. That shouldn’t have been allowed, Lando made it down the inside, had the car stopped, kept all four of his wheels inside the white line. 

“He was ahead at the turning point, Max shouldn’t have been able to release the brake and come back in front.

“Finally, you get the contact, I think that’s why Lando is disappointed. He’s been aggressive but ultimately shown the respect. 

“When he took the place off the track, he immediately gave it back, didn’t try to play any games and give it back before DRS or anything, and he’s not been shown it back.”

Palmer makes reference to 2021 title fight

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella suggested Verstappen's behaviour was a result of his aggressiveness while battling Lewis Hamilton in 2021 not being curtailed.

Palmer also brought up Verstappen's driving tactics three years ago, stating they pose a similarity to Norris' attempts on Sunday in Austria.

“He [Verstappen] talked about the angle of contact being unfortunate,” Palmer said. “You shouldn’t be having contact, these are not touring cars, it’s F1.

“There are sensitive carbon pieces on the edge, they are not built to have a bit of bumping. You’ve got to leave space for the opposition, particularly in the braking zone and into the corner.

“Any Max fan that thinks Lando was just sending it, let’s take a look back at how Max has been driving since he’s been in F1. These are Verstappen’s moves.

“Think back to 2021 particularly - he lunges, he comes in from far. OK, he’s had the best car for a couple of years and he’s been able to be more controlled, but this is how he’s built his reputation as a hard racer.

“Abu Dhabi 2021, I hate to mention it, but lap one Max put in a monster lunge on Hamilton when things were up for grabs.”