The sports world is an unusual place. Athletes are frequently praised when they perform well, but criticism may quickly follow if anything goes wrong. This is exactly what happened to Max Verstappen at last month’s Austrian Grand Prix. The three-time world champion made a solid start to the weekend, winning another pole. However, things went tragically wrong in the latter stages of the Sunday race.
It all began when Verstappen lost his pole position after colliding with Lando Norris on the 64th lap. Stewards also investigated him and gave him a ten-minute penalty for unsafe driving. However, Verstappen’s friend Daniel Ricciardo has recalled the incident and explained why the Dutchman is getting all the criticism.
‘That’s How He Race,” Ricciardo Defends His Friend After Backlash
Daniel Ricciardo addressed the media, sharing his thoughts on the incident and defending Max Verstappen against comparisons to his 2021 season. Ricciardo felt these comparisons were unduly harsh on Verstappen, suggesting that the Red Bull driver faced excessive criticism for his driving.
The VCARB driver expressed surprise upon hearing about the harsh comparisons for the first time. He believed referencing events from a few years ago seemed unfair and that the situation was likely blown out of proportion. “No one in this sport wants to be the one that gets bullied,” Ricciardo said, emphasizing the importance of standing one’s ground and maintaining a strong reputation on the track. He pointed out that drivers don’t want to be perceived as easy to overtake, and having a tough, competitive stance is crucial.
Further, the Australian noted that Verstappen has always been a tough racer, displaying a naturally aggressive style from the start of his career. This toughness is inherent in Verstappen’s DNA, and he consistently engages in fierce battles on the track. While this might not change how other drivers race against him, it does mean they need to be prepared for a challenging fight and ensure their moves are decisive.
Moreover, he highlighted Lando Norris’s experience in the Sprint, where he overtook Verstappen only for the Red Bull driver to reclaim his position almost immediately. According to Ricciardo, this was a learning moment for Norris, who also made some bold moves on Sunday. Unfortunately, despite Norris’s efforts, the outcome was not in his favor.
Ricciardo Comments On Vertappen’s Maturity After The Crash
Daniel Ricciardo commented on Max Verstappen’s racing style, noting that while Verstappen remains fiercely competitive on the track, he has matured significantly since the start of his career. Ricciardo acknowledged that Verstappen’s aggressive racing is a trait admired by many fans. Still, he also pointed out that the Dutchman no longer finds himself in contentious positions as frequently as he once did.
Further, he believed that the recent incident did not require any serious addressing. He felt that fighting for a win could lead to unfortunate events, but he did not view the incident as dangerous. Referring to the collision between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton at the 2021 British Grand Prix, which had resurfaced in headlines due to Verstappen’s revelation of occasional blurred vision following the 51G impact, Ricciardo emphasized that there was no comparison in severity to warrant interference.