WATCH: Detailed analysis on Austrian Grand Prix collision between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, check who is at fault

In the recent Austrian Grand Prix, a high-stakes incident involving Max Verstappen and Lando Norris captured the attention of the motorsport world. The crash between these two drivers sparked intense debate about the circumstances, fault, and severity of the offence. Let's delve into the details of this much-discussed moment.

The Build-Up

On lap 64, Lando Norris was hot on Max Verstappen's tail. Norris had been relentlessly pursuing his friend and rival, attempting to overtake him multiple times, particularly at turns three and four. In turn three, Norris had twice tried to pass on the inside, but Verstappen skillfully defended, leaving Norris unable to complete the move. With determination, Norris continued to pressure Verstappen, hoping to force him off the ideal racing line and gain an advantage.

The Incident

As the two drivers approached turn three once again on Lap 65, Verstappen held a middle line.  He left the inside open but made it clear that defending aggressively there would compromise his approach to turn four. Norris, using DRS to gain speed, opted for the outside line and braked late, positioning himself to challenge Verstappen.

Noting Norris's move, Verstappen adjusted his steering slightly to the right to provide more space but also anticipated Norris’s intention. In a split-second decision, Verstappen attempted to maximize his exit by steering slightly to the left, a natural move given the track's leftward curve.

Also WATCH: Max Verstappen and Lando Norris crashes out of Austrian Grand Prix

However, this slight adjustment led to light contact between Verstappen's left rear wheel and Norris's right rear wheel. The collision, though minor, resulted in immediate damage: both drivers suffered punctures, and subsequent contact further damaged Norris’s car, particularly his front wing.

Aftermath and Repercussions

In the aftermath of the incident, the race stewards reviewed it and concluded that Max Verstappen was at fault for steering left with Norris alongside him. As a result, Verstappen received a ten-second penalty and two penalty points. 

Despite this, his finishing position remained unchanged, as he rejoined the race in fifth place after his pit stop and maintained that position. Norris, unfortunately, had to retire from the race due to the damage sustained.

Analysis: Who was at fault?

Upon reviewing the footage Sky Sports and other platforms found Verstappen at fault. However, Verstappen described the incident as clumsy and unfortunate, a characterization that seems fitting given the context. The contact was not the result of aggressive driving or a reckless manoeuvre but rather a subtle misjudgment in a high-pressure situation.

Here is Sky Sports’s analysis of the Verstappen & Norris incident:

A very well explained video from Anthony pic.twitter.com/H4k0Bl2SYi

— F1Techy (@F1Techy) July 1, 2024

The consequences of the collision were disproportionately severe compared to the nature of the contact. In many similar scenarios, both drivers might have continued without major incidents, but the specific circumstances in Spielberg led to a different outcome.

This incident underscores the fine margins in Formula 1 racing, where split-second decisions and minute adjustments can have significant repercussions. As the season progresses, both Verstappen and Norris will undoubtedly reflect on this moment as a learning experience, aiming to avoid similar incidents in future races.