Max Verstappen issues ‘very clear’ verdict on Lando Norris penalty in F1 US GP

Verstappen, who started second, was running third behind the Ferraris when title rival Lando Norris cruised up behind him on much fresher rubber in the second stint.

The Dutchman was able to repel Norris’ advances up until Lap 52 when the Briton utilised the DRS down the back straight to line up a move on the struggling Red Bull.

But while Verstappen broke late on the inside at Turn 12 and pushed the McLaren wide, Norris planted the throttle on the exit and managed to take over third position.

McLaren told Norris he was ahead at the apex and to retain the place, but the stewards deemed that he gained an advantage and handed him a five-second time drop.

Despite Norris insisting post-race that he couldn’t understand the stewards’ “rush” to make a decision, Verstappen has asserted it was a clear-cut violation of the rules.

“I think it’s quite clearly kind of a thing outside of the white line,” Verstappen said to media including Motorsport Week.

“I mean I got done for it also here in I think 2017 or whatever it was so I lost my podium like that.

“I remained calm, tried to do the best I could after that to bring the car to the end, because it was not easy with the tyres and the situation that I was in.

“But overall I still really enjoyed that battle that we had.”

Asked whether he could empathise with McLaren’s stance on the late-race incident, Verstappen responded: “No, I don’t.

“I mean they complain about a lot lately anyway, but it’s very clear in the rules outside the white line you cannot pass. I’ve been done for it as well in the past.”

Verstappen denies gravel traps viable solution
Norris was among multiple drivers punished due to exceeding track limits at the Circuit of the Americas, reigniting the discussion surrounding preventative measures.

However, Verstappen has argued that implementing a gravel trap as was introduced at the Red Bull Ring earlier this season wouldn’t be a viable solution at all venues.

“I mean it might help, but you have to deal with bikes as well that race here,” Verstappen highlighted when gravel as a solution was put to him.

“They don’t like the gravel, so then you have to remove it again.

“Of course on track days you know you have amateur drivers, professional drivers it does cost a lot of money when you have to do that.

“And not every track can do that you know throughout the year, so yes it would work, but on the other hand, I’m not sure how sustainable that is for the season.”