Max Verstappen’s comments on McLaren Lodging for an appeal for Lando Norris’ US GP Penalty

“I’ve got the wrong passport in that respect,” he commented, insisting that he accepts the British media are unreasonably biased in favour of their possess driver.

The fallout from the American GP continues to be the talk of the F1 enclosure, with McLaren authoritatively engaging the five-second punishment that fetched Norris third place 
The controversial decision by the stewards has polarised fans and drivers alike, and fuelled a wider talk about about the strictness and translation of the rules. Norris, frustrated by the decision, accepts it was Verstappen who ought to have been penalised, insisting:
“I was a car length ahead and not the assaulting party; it was Max attempting to overwhelm.

Brown demands “consequences” for RBR:
“In the past you were disqualified”

Norris’ frustration echoes the sentiments of several drivers who have expressed concern about the consistency of the decisions made by the stewards. McLaren’s offer, which focuses on this perceived inconsistency, is based on the introduce that Norris’ actions did not justify a penalty in the circumstances.

However, not all drivers share this see. Charles Leclerc, champ of the main event in Austin, made it clear that he didn’t see a issue with Verstappen’s driving style and praised the Dutchman’s competitive approach, saying it was one of the reasons he “likes dashing Max so much”.

Verstappen, for his part, echoed that sentiment, demanding that he had as it were done his best to guard his position which he felt the penalty was a consequence of over-regulation in the sport.

Verstappen:
“The sport is over-regulated”
Reflecting on the incident and the wider issue of regulatory stringency, Verstappen commented that Equation One has come to a point where the rules are over the top.

“I think we have reached the point where you need a book with all the rules in the car,” he said, alluding to the sport’s ever-expanding regulatory framework. According to Verstappen, whereas a few rules are necessary, F1 is in peril of stifling its claim competitiveness and unpredictability with too numerous restrictions.
 
The controversy has reignited a wider debate in the Formula One community about the role of race control and whether the current rules leave enough room for competitive racing.

If McLaren’s appeal is successful, it would mark a significant turning point, not only affecting Norris’ championship points tally, but potentially changing the way similar incidents are judged in the future.
The Dutchman believes the rules should be clearer and less open to interpretation, arguing that each incident leads to calls for more regulation, creating a vicious circle.

“On the one hand, I get it the need for rules,” said Verstappen.

“But when rules are scrapped and a new incident happens, individuals say:
we require more rules. It’s always the same.”

Verstappen vs the British media:

An ongoing tensionThis latest incident has added to Verstappen’s ongoing grievances with the British press, who he feels often cast him as the adversary when he competes against British drivers.

Adrian Newey, Red Bull’s respected designer, has previously acknowledged a similar sentiment, admitting that the British media tends to support their home drivers.

Verstappen, however, is unperturbed by this bias.

“I’ve got the wrong passport,” he reiterated, but added that he’s proud of his nationality. His comment highlighted the unique challenges confronted by non-British drivers when the media spotlight turns to controversial incidents.

A message to George Russell
The reigning winner too took the opportunity in Mexico to respond to later comments made by George Russell, who proposed that Verstappen can be pushing harder against Norris, his main match for the title.

Verstappen disagreed with the idea, insisting that his competitive edge isn’t connected specifically based on opponents.

“When you’re battling for the title, you have got to be at the beat of your diversion in each race,” he said, advising Russell to center more on his own progress and not overthink the activities of his rivals.

“Enjoy your life, do not think as well much almost dashing all the time,” Verstappen advised, claiming that his attitude is always focused on getting the maximum result every weekend.

McLaren’s offer and the wider implications for F1
In the interim, McLaren’s upcoming offer will attempt to move the conversation absent from media-driven narratives and towards a difficult see at the regulations themselves. In their video hearing with the stewards at the Mexico City Grand Prix, McLaren intend to present new prove that they believe justifies a re-evaluation of the penalty handed to Norris.

The British group have argued that the existing decision reflects an inconsistent application of the rules, and have called on the sport’s governing body to review its criteria for handing out such penalties.