The tension escalated at the Mexico City Grand Prix as FIA announced additional penalties for Max Verstappen after McLaren lodged an official complaint regarding his driving tactics. Verstappen received two 10-second penalties during the race for aggressive maneuvers against Lando Norris, significantly impacting his lead in the championship standings.
đ¨ 10 SECONDES DE PĂNALITĂ POUR MAX VERSTAPPEN POUR AVOIR POUSSĂ LANDO NORRIS EN DEHORS DE LA PISTE !#F1 #MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/12UJ6FNGF9
— Off Track (@OffTrack_FR) October 27, 2024
Verstappen’s aggressive driving came to the forefront 15 laps into the race when he pushed Norris off the track twice. As a result, he finished sixth, cutting his title lead down to 47 points, while Norris secured a crucial second place.
After the race, which was ultimately won by Carlos Sainz of Ferrari, Norris expressed his frustrations, stating, âIt wasnât clean racing. I knew what to expect. I didnât want to expect that kind of thing because I respect Max a lot as a driver, but I was ready for something like this.â Norris emphasized that he was focused on maintaining a good race and avoiding collisions.
Verstappen, who was penalised by 20 seconds, refused to publicly comment on the incidents
McLaren boss Zak Brown was furious as he slammed Verstappen and said ‘enough is enough’
McLarenâs CEO, Zak Brown, echoed Norris’s sentiments, expressing his dissatisfaction with the penalties: âThe penalties were probably not enough. Itâs getting a bit ridiculous. Enough is enough. Letâs just have some good clean racing moving forwards.â
Lando Norris said he was âexpectingâ Max Verstappenâs âdangerousâ tactics in Mexico
The pair twice came together 15 laps into the race, with Norris going off the track both times
Norris hit out at Verstappen for what he described as ‘not clean racing’ on Sunday evening
Following the incidents, a spokesperson from FIA commented, âWe are committed to ensuring fair play on the track. The additional penalties reflect our ongoing evaluation of driver conduct and safety.â
Despite the penalties, Verstappen remained composed, refusing to engage in a debate about the incidents. He stated, âWell, 20 seconds is a lot, but I am not going to cry about it⌠It is what it is. Life goes on. I just keep racing.â
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner added, âThe FIA and the drivers need to sit down and decide what is acceptable and what isnât. Two 10-second penalties was a bit on the harsh side.â
As the season progresses, the rivalry between Verstappen and Norris intensifies, raising questions about future encounters on the track. The FIA’s actions signal their commitment to maintaining safety and fairness in Formula 1 racing.