Verstappen 'Enjoyed' Battle Despite With Norris Despite Controversial Ending

Monday, 21 October 2024 at 17:16

Max Verstappen said he enjoyed the controversial battle with Lando Norris as he suggested the McLaren driver clearly deserved his penalty.

Although he crossed the finish line in P3, Lando Norris fell one position down the order to P4 (behind Max Verstappen) and lost the podium in Austin after a five-second penalty.

The McLaren driver was penalized after a controversial battle with the Red Bull Racing driver which ended with both drivers going off the track, but Norris gaining a position.

Norris felt he was in the right to keep the position that he gained, arguing that both cars went off the track and ultimately gained an advantage.

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A big moment in the race and potentially the season 😮 Norris overtakes Verstappen but picks up a 5-second penalty for passing off track ✋ #F1 #USGP

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Stewards, however, ruled against the 24-year-old, suggesting he was behind Verstappen at the apex. Hence, he was not allowed to gain the position after being pushed wide.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said his team was very disappointed with the conclusion that the stewards reached but couldn't even file a protest. Sharing his thoughts after the Grand Prix, Verstappen said after the race:

"They [McLaren] complain about a lot lately anyway. It's very clear in the rules. Outside the white line, you can't pass. I've been done for it as well in the past."

The triple World Champion received a 5-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage (although under different circumstances) at this same circuit during the 2017 United States Grand Prix, and as a consequence, he also lost a podium finish- similar to Norris. Verstappen continued:

"I just tried to do the best I could. The balance wasn't great. I was not able to attack the corners. He was putting a lot of pressure."

"Around here, it's quite a good track to defend. There's a lot of possibilities. It makes it good for racing."

“I think it’s quite clear you can’t overtake out of the white line. I got done for it in 2017 or whatever it was so I lost my podium like that.

"I was just remaining calm, do the best I could after that to bring the car until the end. It wasn't easy with the tires and situation I was in. Overall, I still really enjoyed that battle we had."