Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have become all the rage in the F1 world following their collision in the closing laps of the Austrian GP. Almost everyone has sided with Norris over the incident, unanimously labeling Verstappen as the guilty party. However, former World Champion Jenson Button doesn’t look at it the same way, claiming the McLaren driver also played his part in the collision.
There were many calls for Verstappen to be penalized more, but Button believes otherwise. Speaking to Sky, the former world champion claimed a 10-second penalty was punishment enough. Furthermore, he claimed Lando Norris had enough space left on the track also to move his car to the left.
“It’s hard racing. Yeah, sometimes, it goes wrong.”
Recalling a similar incident from last year involving Verstappen and Carlos Sainz, Button claimed how the Dutch driver moved to the left in the same spot. The Ferrari driver followed the trajectory, driving on the curb but not making any contact. Thus, it was only “hard racing” and nothing more.
Jenson Button was asked by Sky about the Max Verstappen and Lando Norris incident in Austria and I think he gave a very fair & detailed response that everyone should read. pic.twitter.com/lXL1g2KR46
— Daniel Valente ️ (@F1GuyDan) July 3, 2024
Speaking further, Button pointed out how Max Verstappen wasn’t as aggressive with Norris as he used to be with Lewis Hamilton. The former driver certainly knows what he is talking about, given he is no stranger to racing hard himself.
Jenson Button is no stranger to racing the way Max Verstappen does
Max Verstappen might well be one of the most aggressive drivers on the current grid. Given his brilliant defensive tactics, the Dutch driver makes it an extremely tough task to overtake him. The same also translates to drivers racing hard against him, making for an exciting viewing for the fans.
Jenson Button (BAR-Honda) overtakes Fernando Alonso (Renault) for P2 despite his helmet visor flap coming loose!
2004 Germany (Hockenheim) #F1 pic.twitter.com/KnukVZwoKW
— F1 Icons That Go Hard (@CrystalRacing) July 25, 2019
Having been a former F1 driver, Button understands hard racing can often lead to emotions getting the better of certain drivers. But in the end, it is all about checking one’s emotions and staying as clean as possible when racing.
The German GP in 2004 saw Button do just that as he took on Fernando Alonso in a battle for P2. Expecting to finish within P5, Button made a significant push and finished P2 after a long battle with Alonso, who drove for Renault. Thus, the former Honda driver claimed it was undoubtedly the best race of his career.
