In the wake of the Austrian Grand Prix, McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has identified Max Verstappen’s driving style as a primary factor in the collision with Lando Norris. This incident, which took place at the Red Bull Ring, resulted in punctures for both drivers, significantly altering the race's outcome.
Verstappen Penalized
The race stewards quickly handed Verstappen a 10-second penalty, attributing full responsibility for the clash to the two-time world champion. As Verstappen and Norris dealt with the fallout of the collision, George Russell capitalized on their misfortune, inheriting the lead and eventually securing victory.
Stella did not hold back in his criticism of Verstappen’s driving, pointing to a history of aggressive maneuvers that have often gone unchecked. He was particularly vocal about the parallels between this incident and past altercations involving Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton during the 2021 season. "The entire population of the world knows who was responsible except for a group of people," Stella asserted, highlighting a frustration with what he sees as inconsistent regulatory enforcement.
Call for FIA Action
Stella’s comments extend beyond this single race. He sees the incident as symptomatic of broader issues within the sport, urging the FIA to reassess and strengthen racing regulations. "If you don't address these things honestly, they will come back," he said. Stella is advocating for a more stringent approach to rule enforcement to prevent similar episodes in the future. "The regulations must be enforced in a way that is effective. When a car is out of the race, as a consequence, then the punishment needs to be proportionate to the outcome."
According to Stella, Verstappen's aggressive tactics are not new. He referenced previous instances where Verstappen's moves during braking created dangerous situations. "Before this episode, twice he moved in braking. It is evident that we have to enforce the way to go racing," Stella remarked, emphasizing the need for clear boundaries in racing conduct.
Impact on McLaren
The immediate consequences for McLaren and Norris were significant. The collision not only cost them valuable points but also a shot at victory. Stella lamented the lost opportunity for Norris, who he believed deserved a chance to compete for the win. "For us, there's a lot of points gone. And a victory which I think Lando deserved to have the opportunity to have," he stated.
Stella’s call for action is not just about penalizing offenders but about creating a safer and fairer racing environment. He sees the Austrian Grand Prix incident as a wake-up call for the sport. "Here there was incomplete job, let's say, that comes from the past, and is a legacy that as soon as there was a trigger, immediately there is an outburst." He believes this presents an opportunity for the FIA to reinforce the existing rules and ensure they are enforced consistently.
A Vision for Cleaner Racing
Ultimately, Stella’s vision is for a cleaner, more competitive sport where racing does not cross the line into dangerous territory. "It could have been Max, it could have been Lando. That's racing. But racing like with collisions, we don't like it," he expressed, underscoring a desire for straightforward, skill-based competition rather than clashes that can lead to severe consequences for teams and drivers alike.
Stella’s impassioned plea to the FIA and the broader racing community touches on a crucial aspect of Formula 1 – the balance between competitive racing and maintaining safety standards. "In every kind of human dynamics, if you don't address things, as soon as you introduce competition, as soon as you introduce a sense of injustice, these things escalate. It's like anything," he concluded, suggesting that unchecked behaviors inevitably lead to escalating incidents.
As Formula 1 continues to evolve, Stella’s comments may serve as a pivotal point for re-evaluating how the sport manages on-track conduct. His hope is that the fallout from the Austrian Grand Prix can be a step towards a more regulated and fair approach to racing, minimizing collisions and maximizing the pure thrill of competition. "So I think this one like I said before, this episode today should be taken as an opportunity to tighten up, to plump up the boundaries, and in fairness, enforcing some of the rules that are already in place," Stella urged, looking ahead to a future where racing incidents are handled with clarity and decisive action.