F1 News
Brundle wonders if Jos and Horner "spat" troubled Verstappen's performance
Although Sunday's race produced a huge talking point between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris and their on-track battle and subsequent collision, there was some friction inside the paddock inside the Verstappen garage. Once again, another argument between Jos Verstappen and Christian Horner made the headlines, and Sky Sports commentator and former F1 driver Martin Brundle wonders whether that had an effect on Max's race at the Austrian Grand Prix.
Brundle wonders if the Jos and Horner incident "surfaced on track"
Before the race around the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Jos was meant to be taking part in the Legend's Parade on Sunday. However, Jos suggested team principal Horner did not want Max's father to drive on the grid as a part of the Red Bull team. It is something that Hrner has denied, but as a result, Jos refused to take part, and another argument between the pair became public again.
As a result, speaking in his column for Sky Sports, Brundle points towards the friction between the pair having a bit of an impact on Max and his racing. Brundle started by saying: "I'm making no excuses for him, but I do wonder if the ridiculous spat between his father Jos and team boss Christian Horner has finally surfaced on track for him."
Verstappen and Norris came together on lap 64 of the race, with Norris attempting a move around the outside of Turn 3 and Verstappen trying to close the door on him. However, some erratic moves under braking from the Dutchman meant that they collided with each other and both suffered punctures. Norris was forced to retire from the race while Verstappen salvaged a P5. However, he was given a 10-second time penalty for causing a collision.
"What I found alarming is that after the contact and as they were both limping along," continued Brundle. "Verstappen clearly tried to impede and collect Norris if he could. Verstappen increased his championship lead to the angst of many. I've waxed lyrical about Max's talent, and I stand by that, he's one of the very best I've ever witnessed in 40 years. I've also said that he's calmed down, matured, and plays more the percentage game with three championships in his pocket. But that appears to have been a thin veneer as this race was very much Max 1.0, with his default driving tactics and denials resurfacing."