The Saudi Arabian GP featured an interesting battle between Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton for sixth place. After a disastrous qualifying session that relegated him to tenth position, the McLaren driver began a desperate comeback race, eventually clashing with the Ferrari driver.
There was a fun yet unusual DRS overtaking game between the two. The papaya-colored car driver tried to pass the multiple world champion on the straight; then the latter took the position back.
According to Martin Brundle, #44 behaved in a way that was a bit too “dirty” toward his opponent. “He moved too early and Lewis knows it, of course,” commented the expert during his appearance on Sky Sports F1.
“Remember 2021? He and Max [Verstappen] literally collided trying not to be the first to cross the line.” Three years ago, on this same Jeddah circuit, the Red Bull driver was penalized 10 seconds for rear-ending his then-rival just as he was about to give back the position. Verstappen won, and he and Hamilton went into the final round in Abu Dhabi tied on points.
Back to the present, a similar game of brake testing continued for several laps between the new Ferrari driver and Lando Norris. Martin Brundle believes Lewis Hamilton went a bit too far: “Lewis is trying again to get into the DRS zone. And he made it. He was almost rear-ended there. I have to say, Lewis was a bit dirty.” – the former racing driver and broadcaster pointed out – “We’ve seen a similar borderline duel between Max and Lewis. It gives you the feeling of being under DRS. Lando was trying to wait [to pass], but Lewis didn’t let him, and he had to get back in line again.” – he concluded following the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Lando Norris tried again, always staying within the limits, and eventually managed to use the DRS to pass him on the straight. The #4 McLaren driver crossed the finish line in fourth place, while the Briton finished seventh.
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