Wolff dismisses claims linking Verstappen and Norris’s recent F1 clash to past incidents.
Mercedes F1 chief Toto Wolff has refuted claims that the clash between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris during the Austrian Formula 1 Grand Prix was a result of unpunished incidents.
Verstappen and Norris collided at turn 3 with seven laps remaining as they battled for the lead, both drivers tangling and dashing their hopes for victory.
Norris criticised what he saw as “reckless” manoeuvres by Verstappen at braking, and the stewards held the latter accountable, imposing a 10-second time penalty, which did not affect his final standing.
While Verstappen denied the allegations directed at him, McLaren team manager Andrea Stella supported the view that the Dutchman’s approach was not new.
Stella argued that the stewards had not sufficiently clamped down on Verstappen’s aggressive battles with Lewis Hamilton in 2021 to ensure he would moderate his racing approach. He, like Norris, also called on the FIA to scrutinise Verstappen’s methods.
However, Wolff, at the centre of that championship battle three seasons ago, dismissed the notion that comparisons should be drawn between the two incidents.
“I don’t think one can draw that conclusion,” Wolff said when presented with Stella’s opinion post-race. “It’s been quite some time and from our side.”
“We are in a different situation today, and I think this case is different too. It takes two to tango. I haven’t seen the details of the latter part of Lando and Max’s race to be honest. I haven’t reviewed how it all unfolded. Just the collision at the moment and then I focused on George, who could take a big advantage from it.”
“I need to look at the entire scene again before forming an opinion, but I wouldn’t see it as a significant consequence of poor management in 2021 compared to what happened in 2024.”
“I don’t think there is any correlation between the two.”
Ferrari director Frédéric Vasseur also refrained from making an immediate judgment.
“Firstly, when I’m at the pit wall, I just have the track layout with dots and I’m not watching the video or television. This means I only see the replay after the race. Let me take a closer look at it. Then you can ask me about it thousands of times at Silverstone.”
“But honestly, I think it’s an incident and to see if the responsibility lies with Max, Lando, or anyone else… let me first take a look before making a comment.”
Wolff Debunks Link Between Verstappen Norris Clashes. Wolff Debunks Link Between Verstappen Norris Clashes
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