McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown criticizes actions of Max Verstappen and Red Bull F1 team

f1 austria grand prix — Zak Brown criticizes Max Verstappen and Red BullGuenther Iby – Getty Images

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen are almost back on their feet after their crash at last weekend’s Austrian Formula 1 Grand Prix which cost them both their chances of victory.

While there were few words in the immediate aftermath, they spoke to clear the air ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone this week. Norris downplayed the situation on Thursday, while Verstappen said he only cared about their friendship. Verstappen said both drivers agreed they would continue racing.

Meanwhile, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has added fuel to the fire by criticising rival team Red Bull Racing, believing Verstappen’s aggressive style is actively encouraged.

f1 austrian grand prix qualifying — McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown believes Max Verstappen’s aggressiveness needs to be curbed.Bryn Lennon – Formula 1 – Getty Images

“It was a really epic fight, exciting for the fans, exciting for everyone in Formula 1, I think it was just a matter of time before we saw the two of them fighting each other,” said Brown. “Until someone tells Max it’s against the rules, he won’t know any different. So I think the stewards missed an opportunity to spot that.

“It’s also disappointing that a great team like Red Bull almost encourages it because you hear what’s being said on the radio. We all have a responsibility on the pit wall to tell our drivers what’s allowed and what’s not allowed and what’s happening in the race.

“I think we have to have respect in the regulations. We’ve seen a lack of respect, whether it’s financial regulations or sporting issues on the track with fathers and things like that. I just don’t think we have to race like that and we have to give our drivers guidance on what’s right and what’s wrong and I think if that had been addressed earlier maybe this incident wouldn’t have happened. So a racing incident but I think it could have been avoided if the pit wall and the stewards had been more up to date on what they could and couldn’t do.”

Under the regulations, Verstappen received a 10-second penalty for causing the collision, while Norris retired due to damage sustained.