Norris Calls Verstappen “Dangerous” After Penalty-Marred Mexican GP Clash
Lando Norris took a major step towards Max Verstappen in the Formula 1 title race, finishing second at the Mexican Grand Prix while his rival was handed two 10-second penalties for contact.
Norris’s second-place finish, four places ahead of Verstappen, shaved 10 points off the Dutchman’s lead in the championship. Four races remain, with Norris now 47 points behind with 120 points still up for grabs.
Reliving the On-track Battle
The clash between the title rivals came just a week after Norris was penalized for overtaking Verstappen off track in Austin. The two drivers collided again at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, with Verstappen given two separate 10-second penalties for forcing Norris off the track at turns five and eight.
“This guy is dangerous,” Norris exclaimed over the team radio during the race.
Norris Claims Fair Play
Speaking after the race, Norris stated, “I don’t think I need to say much. It is pretty self-explanatory on what happened. I did everything I have been told in terms of what the rules are. I go into every race expecting a tough battle with Max. It is clear it doesn’t matter if he wins or is second, he just wants to beat me in the race.”
He added, “He sacrifices himself to do that, like he did today. I want to have tough battles but fair ones. It is always going to be tough with Max. Today was not fair, clean racing so therefore he got the penalty.”
Verstappen Focuses on Car Performance
Despite the penalties, Verstappen remains focused on improving his car’s performance. “20 seconds is a lot but I am not going to cry about it and I am also not going to share my opinion,” Verstappen said. “Turn four was more of a question mark, turn eight it is what it is. But those are not my problems, my problem is that we are too slow. That is why I am being put in those kind of positions.”
He added, “I just drive how I think you have to drive. Last week that was alright, this week 20-second penalty. It is what it is. Life goes on. I just keep racing.”
The next race in the F1 season takes place in Brazil next weekend. Will Verstappen be able to recover and close the gap to Norris?
Stay tuned for more updates and insightful content on the exhilarating world of Formula 1.