McLaren boss cites infamous Silverstone 2021 crash between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in a stern critique of the Red Bull driver
Zak Brown took a stern approach to criticize Max Verstappen on the latter's aggressive driving style. The McLaren CEO recalled the infamous 2021 British Grand Prix incident between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton and warned the Dutch-Belgian driver of a similar consequence unless a clear line or a limit was drawn.
Verstappen and Hamilton shared a brilliant championship battle in 2021, during which the two drivers experienced numerous on-track skirmishes and battles. While they were wheel-to-wheel in almost every race, they reached a boiling point at Silverstone.
During their first lap battle for the lead, Hamilton touched Verstappen's left rear tire with his front right. As a result, the Dutchman lost control of his car and had a high-speed crash against the barrier. According to reports, the impact of the crash was 51G, and the Red Bull driver suffered from a minor concussion for months.
Recalling the incident recently, Brown stated that if Verstappen is not shown his limit, a repeat of the 2021 British Grand Prix could be on the cards. Speaking about this in his recent interview with German media outlet Auto Motor Und Sport, Brown said:
"Max is an incredible racing driver who pushes the rules to the limit. But you have to show him where the limits are. If that isn't done, you'll end up with scenes like the one between Lewis and Max in 2021, when Lewis said to himself: enough is enough. I don't think we want to go back to that."
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have had similar on-track skirmishes throughout the season so far. The two championship protagonists were reluctant to leave each other space and give up track positions, which resulted in multiple clashes between them.
The Red Bull driver and his McLaren counterpart made multiple contacts in Austria where Norris suffered a DNF. In the United States, Norris received a time penalty, while in Mexico, Verstappen incurred two timed penalties.
Where does Max Verstappen stand in the championship against Lando Norris?
Following the conclusion of the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil, Max Verstappen took himself to a formidable position against Lando Norris in the 2024 Drivers' Championship. The Red Bull star is currently 62 points ahead of Norris with three races and a Sprint to go.
Despite starting from P17 at Interlagos, the 27-year-old delivered a masterclass amid treacherous conditions in Sao Paulo. He came back from behind to claim the victory and extend the championship lead. Norris finished the race in P6 despite starting from pole position.
Max Verstappen stands in P1 with 393 points, followed by Lando Norris with 331. However, the Briton's team, McLaren is currently leading the Constructors' Championship, ahead of Ferrari, and Red Bull.