Since the Austrian GP, Lando Norris and Max Verstappen’s bromance hit a bump. Their friendly rivalry turned into a full-blown conflict after the drivers collided with each other in Spielberg. While Max went home with 10 points Norris retired and left in rage. However, there has been no news of the two sorting the matter out. Instead, fans and experts are adding more to the speculations.

On one hand, Norris wants an apology from Verstappen; on the other, Max wants to look for more. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s advisor Dr. Helmut Marko has given his opinions on this episode. Surprisingly, the Austrian did not take sides with his team. Instead, he highlighted the errors and proclaimed they could have done better. At the same time, he also criticized the two youngsters for their ‘unnecessary ferocious’ driving and careless attitude.

Now, Dr. Marko also revealed a piece of inside information. In a conversation with Austrian media outlet OE24, Helmut Marko discussed the strained friendship between the two drivers. “Norris’ comments that Max should apologize are not very helpful. But they will meet to talk things out,” the 81-year-old stated. They then asked him if this ‘talking’ could have occurred on the return flight. Helmut Marko replied, “No, they usually fly together, but this time they were traveling separately. So Max had a quiet return flight.” This is big news. Max and Lando usually share the return flight. And as it seems, Norris broke their tradition. Maybe out of anger and disappointment?

Is there no way in which both drivers can walk past the incident? It’s easier said than done. Max and Lando were on their way to secure big chunks of points, but that one blunder ruined everything for them. How unfortunate! Since then, blame-games and cold replies have become frequent.

Lando is in no mood to consider Max Verstappen’s friendship unless he apologizes

Lando Norris shared a good relationship with Max off the track. But now their camaraderie seems to be hanging on a balance. In the post-race interview, a disappointed Norris said: “I don’t know what I’m meant to say. I did all I could, I gave a fair, respectful, on-the-edge battle, but that’s not what I got in return.” He further told Sky Italy that Max must admit he did something ‘stupid’ in the race. Only then will he regain the respect he lost.

From the audience’s point of view, this new-found rivalry will take time to subside. However, a question remains: will we fully resolve this issue and prevent future recurring bouts? This won’t be like the time when Norris accidentally broke Verstappen’s trophy, and they laughed it out. But in this case, Lando will be 18 points less till the season ends. Any other driver in Norris’ spot would have probably reacted in the same manner. A similar incident happened at the Chinese Grand Prix when Lance Stroll bumped into Daniel Ricciardo. Remember how furious Ricciardo was after the race? He too had to retire!

Following their clash at the Austrian GP, the fallout between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen is clear. This feud is before the public eyes. And speculations are building on when the two drivers can sit and reconcile. Norris seeks acknowledgment and an apology from Verstappen, emphasizing respect and fairness in racing. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s camp has remained relatively silent. As fans speculate and pundits analyze, the future of their relationship remains uncertain. Will this rivalry be seen at the British GP this weekend? And if yes, how aggressive is it going to be? Fans are already excited. What are your opinions on this? Let us know in the comments.