Lando Norris elected driver of the day at Spielberg circuit
The Briton had an eventful end to the race, colliding with Max Verstappen just a few laps from the end. Despite his retirement, Lando Norris was voted Driver of the Day on the Spielberg circuit on Sunday.
A race that we thought was already wrapped up with an unchanged podium, but that was without counting on the collision between the two leading drivers, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, on the 64th lap. The drivers who had been battling for several races now made a costly mistake just a few laps from the end. An error that cost them a podium, but a new status of driver of the day for the McLaren driver forced to retire.
Starting second on the grid, Lando Norris confirmed his desire to fight for the world championship title this season. He shows it race after race with his ease on the track and pressure on Max Verstappen, who is always in the lead. The British driver is consistently employing good strategies, successfully pulling off risky overtakes, and attempting well-timed undercuts.
This Sunday, Red Bull’s driver, leading widely the first half of the race, saw the McLaren driver dangerously catching up. While trying to block him, the Dutchman eventually collided with Lando Norris, forced to retire. As for the triple world champion, he finished fifth after receiving a ten-second penalty. Max Verstappen was found guilty of this action and confirmed that Lando Norris was his biggest rival at the moment. As for the driver of the day, the Austrian Grand Prix of this season will have been frustrating, seeing a new podium slip away from him.
He didn’t need to push me like that. I was already on the edge of the track, it’s a bit desperate and reckless of him. I expect a fair and tough fight, that’s what I expect from Max (Verstappen). It’s fine to be on the limit, but that was a bit stupid, he didn’t need to turn into me. He ruined his race and mine, but it’s easy for him, he’s 70 points ahead in the championship, he doesn’t care. It doesn’t change anything for him but it penalizes me. I don’t think I have to say anything, it’s up to him to say something,” said Lando Norris harshly after the race.
The British driver remains second in the overall standings with 156 points, but Max Verstappen still holds a significant lead after 11 Grand Prix races and has a total of 237 points. Lando Norris will have the opportunity to shine once again at home next weekend at the Silverstone circuit for the British Grand Prix.
