F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Norris expected 'a little bit more' from 'top guy' Bottas

Lando Norris says he was expecting "a little bit more" than a misjudged braking point in the Hungarian Grand Prix from a leading driver like Valtteri Bottas.

Norris was hit from behind by Bottas as the field approached the Hungaroring's Turn 1, with the contact triggering a multi-car collision that put four drivers out on the spot, while McLaren retired Norris' damaged car during the red flag period that ensued after the carnage.

Although conditions were tricky at the start due to the wet track, Norris found little reason to show leniency for Bottas' costly moment of misjudgment.

"All of us are in Formula 1 for a reason, because we’re good drivers and we know where to brake, where to judge braking zones and so on, especially when it’s wet, especially on the first lap of the race," Norris told Motorsport.com.

"But obviously some misjudged it completely. That’s the annoying thing, you expect a little bit more from when you’re racing those top guys at the front of the field."

"But also they don’t race that often, they’re quite on their own, and not in the pack getting in dirty air and things as much as we are.

"So maybe they just don’t experience it, and they need to learn that a little bit more."

Bottas was expectedly apologetic for his damaging blunder, but Norris was unimpressed.

"He said sorry. Of course it doesn’t change anything now, which is the bad bit of it. But of course he should get a penalty," said the Briton.

"I got a penalty against Perez [in Austria] when a bit of air pushed him off the track, and I get completely taken out of the race, crash into Max, it’s a big incident.

"It’s a lot more dangerous than some guy going into some gravel. And of course, it’s a lot more dangerous driving doing that than what I’ve done.

"Yeah, he deserves one of course."

Bottas was ultimately sanctioned by the Hungarian Grand Prix stewards and handed a five-place grid drop for the Belgian Grand Prix.

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