Helmut Marko identified the driver who, in his opinion, was predominantly at fault for the collision between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.

Multiple experts/former F1 drivers have discussed Lando Norris’s collision with Max Verstappen on lap 64 of the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix since it happened, putting the McLaren driver out of the race.

While most of them suggested it was a clear mistake on the triple World Champion’s part (Martin Brundle, Anthony Davidson, etc.), there were also some that sided with the Dutchman (Eddie Jordan, for example).

Speaking to the media right after the race, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko suggested that the incident was unnecessary. Asked whether he still stood by his opinion, he told OE24:

“Norris’s behavior on the radio was pathetic. But things like that happen, and I would write it off as a racing accident, although Norris was more likely to have overstepped the mark.”

In consideration of the 81-year-old’s statements, it is also important to mention that he is from Red Bull, so it would be unreasonable for him not to side with the 26-year-old driver, who is also his great friend.

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But could Norris have done something differently? The 24-year-old McLarern driver had some space on the outside, and there have been battles in the past in which drivers utilized it to avoid collisions.

On the other hand, Norris was the one going straight, and the triple World Champion was crossing his line, not leaving him enough space from the white line on the side of the track.

Though this might remain one of the incidents that will leave male fans arguing for the years to come, it remains to be seen whether at least Verstappen and Norris can sort it out between themselves. Marko said:

“Norris’ comments that Max should apologize are not very helpful. But they will meet to talk things out.”

Norris and the triple World Champion often tend to fly together. Asked whether they could have perhaps talked the things through on the flight from Austria, Marko added:

“No, they usually fly together, but this time they were traveling separately. So Max had a quiet return flight.”