Horner Hits Out At McLaren After Race In Austin: Could Have Been Two More Penalties

Monday, 21 October 2024 at 21:00

Updated at Tuesday, 22 October 2024 at 06:19

Christian Horner suggested he felt that McLaren driver Lando Norris could have received more than just one five-second penalty during the 2024 United States Grand Prix.

F1 fans were divided into two camps following the latest controversial battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris that occurred on lap 52 of the 19th round of the season at Circuit of the Americas.

One group of fans believes that Lando Norris's five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage was justified, and the other argues it doesn't make sense, considering Verstappen went off the track at the same time.

When the team principal of Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner was asked after the race about what he thought, he suggested there is nothing to even discuss from his point of view as the rules are clear. He told Viaplay:

"For me, it was just clear, the racing rules where, obviously, the pass was made off the track, the rules are very clear with that."

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Horner went on to point out that Norris's defending on lap 53 into turn one was, in his eyes, worthy of a penalty as he believed the 24-year-old moved under braking.

Moreover he asserted there could have been one more for track limits, although Norris would argue he would not go over the white lines if Verstappen didn't push him wide.

"There was a penalty for that, and there could have been a penalty for moving under brakes at turn one, and there could have been another one for track limits. So, in the end, I don't think there can be any complaints."

Unhappy, Norris suggested after the race that Verstappen both overtakes and defends by going off the track. However, the team principal of Red Bull asserted Verstappen did go off the track during his overtake on lap 1.

"Well, he [Verstappen] didn't go off the track, and it's very very clear, the regulations, let them race to the first turn. Max didn't leave the track. That was fair game."