Verstappen's 'super cool' handling of Norris at Monza leaves Schumacher impressed

08:04, 11 Sep

byTobia Elia

Ralf Schumacher shared his thoughts on the opening-lap battle at the Italian Grand Prix between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.

The only moment Verstappen’s dominant win at Monza last weekend was even slightly in question came in the opening two laps, when he and Lando Norris engaged in a battle for the lead, ultimately claimed by the Red Bull driver.

Verstappen, who had started from pole, ran wide at the first chicane, cutting it and rejoining the track still ahead of the Brit, who complained over the radio about being forced onto the grass at high speed on the straight.

The Austrian team then instructed the Dutchman to give the position back to his rival to avoid a penalty, which Verstappen did.

On lap four, after exiting the final corner very closely, Verstappen drew alongside Norris on the outside into Turn 1, overtaking him and reclaiming the race lead.

From that point on, the Brit could do little but watch the reigning world champion’s RB21 disappear into the distance, eventually crossing the finish line nearly 20 seconds behind.

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris

Norris 'played it perfectly'

As a guest on Sky Deutschland’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Ralf Schumacher shared his thoughts on the duel: ''It was completely fine that he kept the position. I knew he was going to try. He’s bold enough, but he also realized, okay, that was maybe a bit too much.''

''Especially the approach—he kind of pushed Norris aside there. Of course, the race control and the stewards see that. And I think he handled it like a true world champion, didn’t make a fuss, and took the position back.''

Finally, he added: ''You’ve got to give him credit for that. He’s just super cool in the car. And again, really clever from Lando Norris—he knew exactly what to do against this Max Verstappen in the Red Bull and played it perfectly.”