Max Verstappen “doesn’t need to apologize,” states Lando Norris as the duo gear up for the 2024 F1 British Grand Prix

Lando Norris doesn't think Max Verstappen owes him an apology following their clash in the Austrian GP. The McLaren driver also retracted the criticism he directed at his longtime friend in the post-race interview.

Norris and Verstappen competed in a thrilling fight for the win at the Red Bull Ring last weekend. However, their battle came to an anti-climactic end when a contact ruined their chances of victory, forcing the McLaren driver to retire. He later criticized the three-time champion, expecting an apology from him.

A week later, Norris reflected on the incident and concluded that Max Verstappen didn't need to apologize, as they both were battling hard for victory. He also clarified his post-race statements, admitting they were borne out of frustration. The 24-year-old British driver also revealed that he had discussed the incident with the Red Bull driver.

"Honestly, I don't think he needed to apologise," Norris said in Thursday's press conference. "Some of the things I said in the pen after the race were more just because I was frustrated at the time, a lot of adrenaline, a lot of emotions and I probably said some things I didn't necessarily believe in, especially later on in the week." (via Sky Sports F1)

Lando Norris elaborated on the contact with Max Verstappen, describing the minor incident as "pathetic" and lamenting how it ruined their weekend.

"It was tough. It was a pretty pathetic incident in terms of what ended both our races. It wasn't like a hit, it wasn't like an obvious bit of contact. It was probably one of the smallest bits of contact you could have, but with a pretty terrible consequence for both of us, especially for myself," Norris added.

"He doesn't need to. I don't expect an apology from him. I don't think he should apologise."

Norris heads to his home race, the British GP, from July 5-7, looking for his first victory on home soil and resuming his on-track battles with Verstappen.

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Max Verstappen reveals the aftermath of his contact with Lando Norris

The reigning F1 champion shrugged off the incident post-race. Max Verstappen wanted to have a conversation with Norris and didn't wish to make any comments in the heat of the moment. He disclosed that Norris initiated the difficult conversation with a text on Monday following the incident.

"That's why I already said after the race, there's no point to discuss it now. Emotions are running high and stuff like that," Verstappen told Sky Sports F1.

"I woke up already quite early because I wanted to talk to Lando but he already texted me, in the morning on Monday. I think the day after your emotions are a bit lower. I respected that a lot. And we are great friends. He's a very nice guy, honestly."

Max Verstappen was "really upset" and "disappointed" after the on-track incident with his friend, Lando Norris. However, the duo seems to have put the incident in their rearview mirror.