Red Bull driver Max Verstappen defended himself and claimed that he wasn’t in F1 to finish second after his collision with McLaren driver Lando Norris at the 2024 Austrian GP on Sunday. The Dutch driver has faced a lot of criticism for his defending against the Brit during the final phase of the race at the Red Bull Ring.
The three-time world champion was found embroiled in the battle for the lead and defending his position from Norris after the former had a poor last pitstop that gave away his seven-second advantage.
Lando Norris went on the attack and tried to pass Verstappen on several occasions but wasn’t able to make the move stick. But on Lap 59, both drivers came together in Turn 3 after the Red Bull driver made a late defense which caused a puncture for both cars.
While Verstappen was able to continue and eventually finish in P5, Norris did not have such luck and retired from the race.
During his post-race interview, Max Verstappen was asked if he could have let Lando Norris by as the latter was due to get a 5-second penalty for his track limit excursions. The 26-year-old replied:
“I could also stay at home? I’m here to win, not to finish 2nd. When you’re fighting for the win, why can’t you fight the hard way?”
