Stella Points to Verstappen’s Driving Style in Austrian Clash
At the Austrian Grand Prix, McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has singled out Max Verstappen’s driving style as a major factor in the collision with Lando Norris, a move that cost significant points for the team and an opportunity for victory.
The incident, which took place at the Red Bull Ring, resulted in punctures for both Verstappen and Norris. This unforeseen clash led to George Russell inheriting the lead and eventually securing victory. The stewards moved quickly to adjudicate, handing Verstappen a 10-second penalty, deeming him solely responsible for the clash.
Stella did not mince words in his critique of the situation. He believes that past issues with Verstappen’s driving style should have been addressed more firmly, particularly during the intense title battle with Lewis Hamilton in 2021. "If you don't address these things honestly, they will come back," Stella asserted. "They weren't addressed properly in the past when there were fights with Lewis that needed to be punished in a harsher way."
The reverberations from the collision were immediate and significant for McLaren and Norris. "For us, there's a lot of points gone. And a victory which I think Lando deserved to have the opportunity to have," Stella lamented. He further expressed his disappointment by stating, "It could have been Max, it could have been Lando. That's racing. But racing like with collisions, we don't like it."
Stella’s comments suggest a broader concern about the enforcement of racing regulations by the FIA. "The regulations must be enforced in a way that is effective," Stella emphasized. "When a car is out of the race, as a consequence, then the punishment needs to be proportionate to the outcome."
Stella pointed out that this was not an isolated incident for Verstappen. "Before this episode, twice he moved in braking. It is evident that we have to enforce the way to go racing." He emphasized the need for clear and stringent enforcement of the rules to prevent similar incidents in the future.
According to Stella, the collision is part of a legacy of unresolved issues dating back to previous seasons. "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 noted. This incident, Stella believes, should serve as a catalyst for meaningful change within the sport. "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," he urged.
Stella’s frustration was palpable, as he called for a more honest and transparent approach to racing regulations. "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 remarked. "We need to be very clear that these rules cannot be abused in a way that then leaves a margin to do a couple of times the same maneuver, and you know the third time there is going to be an accident."
For Stella, the central issue hinges on the integrity and enforcement of racing rules. With this latest collision, he sees a pivotal moment for the sport to reflect and improve. "The entire population of the world knows who was responsible except for a group of people," Stella said pointedly.
The collision has reignited the debate on driving standards and regulatory enforcement in Formula 1, particularly as it involves high-profile drivers like Verstappen. As the sport moves forward, Stella’s calls for change could initiate a new chapter in how racing incidents are handled, aiming for a cleaner, fairer competition on the track.