Just In: ‘A little bit desperate’ – Norris fumes at Verstappen move

Lando Norris accused Max Verstappen, his friend and now closest rival, of unfair driving that was “just a bit reckless” and “a little bit desperate”, after a no-holds-barred battle for victory at the Austrian Grand Prix ended in a collision that wrecked both their races.

Norris, who was challenging the world champion for the lead in the closing laps after the Red Bull driver had been delayed by a slow final pit stop, felt Verstappen had several times moved under braking when defending his position.

The pair have become the dominant forces in Formula 1 since the Miami Grand Prix in early May, but until this weekend at the Red Bull Ring they had not disputed the lead wheel to wheel on track.

Their first duel, in the sprint race, ended with Verstappen on top and Norris admonishing himself for being “pretty stupid”. A little over 24 hours later, their battle finally boiled over in a frenetic 12-lap scrap.