Verstappen 'should not pay price for tough image' - Prost

Four-time F1 champion Alain Prost feels Max Verstappen's "hard racer" image should not precede him when it comes to verdicts from the FIA stewards.

Prost has indicated that Verstappen's combative style he has been renowned for during his years with Red Bull may have played a part in the stewards' thinking when he was punished for his recent collision with Lando Norris in the Austrian Grand Prix.

Three-time F1 champion Verstappen was involved in a titanic duel with Norris over the closing stages of the race at the Red Bull Ring, culminating in the duo banging wheels that resulted in punctures on both cars.

Norris was forced to retire due to additional damage sustained whilst Verstappen at least managed to return to the pits, take on fresh rubber and cross the line in fifth, even with a 10-second penalty for causing a collision.

Verstappen was criticised by many for occasionally moving under braking in defending from Norris, however, Prost feels the move that led to their clash was nothing more than a racing incident, and the penalty was a result of his reputation.

“It is difficult for the stewards to judge incidents, even now that they have much more information at their disposal than we as spectators," said Prost, speaking to L'Equipe.

“We have to make do with what we see on television. If you want to make a judgement, you should always put yourself in the position of both drivers and not look at the name. Forget about a driver’s image and try to be as objective as possible, however difficult that may be.

“I don’t think there was an aggressor and a victim. The crash was complex. I do agree with the verdict that Max was mainly responsible. He was penalised, although I think it was mainly an unfortunate racing incident."

Prost acknowledged that the regulations "have become incredibly precise" but feels on occasion basics need to be applied, and that whatever has gone before should not be brought into consideration.

"Penalties should not be handed out based on reputation, but on facts," added Prost.

“It is not special that you try to close the gap on the left when the next corner goes to the right. That’s how you prevent someone from overtaking you, and it’s been happening for as long as racing has existed.

“Yes, Max is a very hard racer. That’s in his DNA and isn’t going to change. However, it also makes him so strong and he shouldn’t pay the price for his tough image.

“Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher had the same reputation as aggressive drivers.”