At the Mexican Grand Prix, Max Verstappen received two separate 10-second penalties following his latest clash with Lando Norris, his nearest title rival. Verstappen, who began the race in second place behind Norris, failed to give the Britt adequate space into Turn 4 while attempting to defend his position on Lap 10.
As a result, the McLaren driver was pushed onto the grass and managed to reenter the track ahead of the Red Bull. Verstappen then made a bold move on the inside of Norris at Turn 8, a swift left-hander, but he overshot the corner, forcing the McLaren driver wide. The incident incited an angry response from Norris, who labeled the Dutch driver as “dangerous” during a radio exchange with his race engineer, asserting that the incident did not constitute “fair and clean racing.” The stewards shared this sentiment and subsequently penalized Verstappen, who crossed the finish line in sixth place, resulting in his lead over Norris, who finished second, being reduced by 10 points to 47.
Having witnessed Verstappen’s aggressive driving firsthand during Lewis Hamilton’s 2021 title showdown, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes that the decision in Mexico might prompt a shift in his behavior and change the overtaking game in F1.
“A driver will always push to the limit and when the rules or the interpretation of the rules allow a certain way of racing, a driver like Max is always going to exploit it,” said Wolff.
“I think now there has been a new interpretation and execution of those regulations that I think will change the way everybody races in the future. You won’t see that anymore.”
Toto Wolff says the stewards made a very good decision to punish Max harshly
"I think that was a really good steward decision and that it will be clear in the future that this dirty driving is no longer allowed. A horrendous punishment with 20 seconds is the right precedent so… pic.twitter.com/YmlFn7dMPP
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) October 29, 2024
Wolff believes that establishing clear rules requiring drivers to leave space for their competitors on the outside is essential for promoting fair and competitive racing.
“From now on, you’ve got to leave space on the outside of the corner if the car is next to you. Braking late and dragging the other car out of the track whilst also driving off track – I think that’s not on anymore. That’s not allowed and I think it’s good for racing.” he added.
Christian Horner slams FIA for ‘overcomplicating’ overtaking
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner slammed FIA for Verstappen’s penalties in Mexico, labeling the decisions will overcomplicate overtaking in F1 and complicate the job of Stewarts.
Horner urged drivers and stewards to engage in discussions about “what constitutes acceptable behavior” as the season approaches its final four races, while also emphasizing that there is a significant distinction between the incidents that occurred in Austin and Mexico City.
“It’s slightly different because obviously both of them went off the track last week, and you can’t gain an advantage by passing off track,” Horner said.
“So I think it’s something that really does need to get tidied up moving forward because there’s great racing going on and I think it’s just important that the rules of engagement are fair rather than giving an advantage to the outside line.”
Verstappen and Norris will resume their battle in Interlagos, Brazil where the Dutchman is expected to take a grid penalty for taking a new engine.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
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