Max Verstappen is 'not going to change' claims Christian Horner after the driver clashed with Lando Norris in Austria

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner claimed that Max Verstappen will not "change" after his collision with Lando Norris in Austria. He also added that it will be a learning experience for Verstappen.

Verstappen took an early and long lead during the 2024 F1 Austrian GP after starting from pole position. However, as the race neared the final stages, he started suffering from tire issues. Norris, who started the race in P2, had a much stronger pace and was able to chase the leader.

The two shared a very close and tough battle with each other, but Verstappen was able to defend his position. However, on lap 64 of 71, Norris dived his McLaren deep into turn 3 for an overtake.

In an attempt to defend again, Verstappen's car positioning led to both drivers making contact. They lost their tires and while Norris had to retire, Verstappen finished in P5 with a 10-second time penalty. George Russell won the race, running constantly in P3 throughout.

Reviewing the event, RBR team principal Christian Horner told Sky Sports that Verstappen "is not going to change," adding that it was a learning experience for Norris on how to battle the Dutchman.

"They've spoken already, I don't think there's any issue between, you know, certainly from Max's side, he's not going to change.

"He's a tough racer. If you race Max was tapping. And there's an element, I think, of Lando learning how to race Max. And I think, you know, they're just discovering that. And inevitably, there's going to be more close racing between the two of them as the cars look so close."

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Lando Norris on battling with a "desperate" Max Verstappen

The Austrian GP was certainly a race to forget for the 24-year-old as he expected a battle for victory in the race. What would have marked the second victory of his career turned out to be a DNF for Lando Norris.

Post the race, he did not sound too pleased with the battle he contested. Claiming that he was aware of the challenges he will face while fighting Max Verstappen, he said:

"There are rules for what you’re not allowed to do and are allowed to do, and he was doing things you’re not allowed to do and not getting penalised," Express.co.uk quoted him.

Further, calling Max Verstappen "desperate," Norris explained that he had expected to have a fair and respectful battle with him on the track. He also claimed that he [Max] does not need to be desperate since he has "got plenty of wins."

"I expect to tough battle against Max, I know what to expect, I expect aggression and pushing the limits and that kind of thing. But all three times he’s doing stuff which can easily cause an incident. And in a way it’s a bit reckless, it seems like a little bit desperate from his side.

"He doesn’t need to be, he’s got plenty of wins, you know, but a bit desperate to do what he could to not let me pass and I know it’s gonna be aggressive. So I’m in no way not surprised. But I just expected a tough, fair, respectful, on-the-edge, bit of racing. And I don’t feel like that’s what I got here" Norris said.

Max Verstappen currently leads the drivers' world championship, along with Red Bull who are sitting at the top of the constructors. However, this season is seemingly more competitive than the past two seasons. Five different drivers from four teams have already won races. This number was limited to two teams in the 2023 season.