Daniel Ricciardo has shared his perspective on the recent incident involving Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.
Daniel Ricciardo responded to McLaren team principal Andrea Stella’s criticism of Max Verstappen following the on-track incident at the Austrian Grand Prix.
In the aftermath of the clash between Verstappen and Lando Norris, Stella expressed his reluctance to witness a repeat of the contentious moments from the 2021 season, particularly the battles between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton which sometimes led to collisions.
Verstappen received a 10-second penalty for the incident with Norris but managed to finish fifth and maintain his lead in the championship standings.
Ricciardo believes McLaren may have exaggerated the incident, suggesting that the situation might have been blown out of proportion. He mentioned in discussions with select media outlets, including RacingNews365, that he views Max as remaining true to his aggressive racing style and leaving everything on the track.
“And many fans have appreciated this aspect of his racing style. However, I believe he has matured significantly since the beginning of his career. He isn’t constantly facing these situations anymore. In my opinion, there’s no urgent need to address this issue right now.”
‘Tough’ racing is Verstappen’s DNA
Ricciardo has first-hand experience of Verstappen’s assertive defensive strategies, notably clashing during the 2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix when they were teammates at Red Bull Racing.
The Australian acknowledges that any driver aiming to pass the current world champion must brace for a competitive encounter since Verstappen is inherently combative by nature.
“In this sport, no one wants to be seen as an easy target; you must be willing to defend your position against all challengers,” Ricciardo commented. “It’s not just about your immediate performance but also about your reputation on the track.
“When you face opponents on the circuit, you don’t want them to view you as an easy pass. It’s crucial to maintain a strong stance. Max has always been known for his assertiveness right from the start.
“It’s just part of his racing DNA to be a resilient competitor. He doesn’t have to force himself to be tough; it comes naturally to him. It’s intrinsic to his style that you can expect a fierce battle when racing against him.”
