In a race where Ferrari celebrated a rare 1-2 finish, the spotlight in Austin was instead firmly fixed on the intense battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, two title rivals who clashed multiple times during the 2024 United States Grand Prix. The defining moment? Norris’ aggressive late-race overtake on Verstappen, which saw both drivers run off the track, leaving the stewards to hand Norris a five-second penalty and strip him of third place.
The incident has sparked widespread debate. Was the penalty fair, or did McLaren make a costly miscalculation in not telling Norris to give the place back? Verstappen, often unapologetically combative, played his cards perfectly within the current racing rules. But for many, the episode underscores a deeper issue in modern Formula 1: the growing complexity and rigidity of racing guidelines.
A Broken System or Fair Game?
From the outset, it’s easy to see why many feel Norris was hard done by. Both drivers ran wide at Turn 12, yet only Norris was penalized. His frustration, and that of McLaren, is understandable—why penalize one driver when both went off track? This raises a significant question about F1’s rulebook, which many now believe is overly engineered and contradictory.
For Norris, the penalty was not just a time loss; it was a strategic failure that cost him a crucial podium in the title fight. McLaren might argue that Verstappen, through his hard-nosed defensive style, forced Norris off track. But under F1’s current guidelines, the driver making the overtake has to ensure they’re sufficiently alongside their rival—something the stewards felt Norris failed to do.
One observer described the current rules as “a mess,” arguing that they have turned the “art of racing” into a series of legalistic decisions rather than on-track battles. In this instance, Verstappen knew how to play the game, using his car placement to force Norris into an all-or-nothing move. The defending car is often protected by the current rules, leaving the overtaking driver in a precarious position if they attempt a bold move. Verstappen’s actions, though criticized, were within the bounds of what F1’s guidelines allow.
Should McLaren Have Called It?
Hindsight is always 20/20, but in this case, McLaren might rue not telling Norris to return the position to Verstappen immediately. Given how the stewards handled similar incidents earlier in the race, the five-second penalty seemed inevitable. Some argue that McLaren took an unnecessary risk, especially when Norris had the pace to attempt another move on Verstappen later.
McLaren’s split-second decision might have cost them dearly. The strategic oversight could be the difference between taking the fight to Red Bull in the final races or watching Verstappen cruise to another title. It’s yet another example of how Red Bull’s racecraft—honed through years of dominating the sport—continues to give them an edge in high-pressure situations.
Racing Rules Tied in Knots
F1’s rulebook has become so convoluted that it’s hard for drivers, teams, and fans to understand what is and isn’t allowed. In some cases, drivers who overtake on the inside are penalized for forcing their rival off track, while in other scenarios—such as Norris’—the overtaking driver on the outside gets punished.
The inconsistency is maddening. Drivers like Norris, who are willing to take risks, find themselves penalized for moves that were once seen as part of the sport’s DNA. Meanwhile, defenders like Verstappen know they can push the limits without incurring penalties as long as they adhere to the letter of the law.
Verstappen’s Win in the Mind Game
While Norris was battling on the track, Verstappen was playing a deeper game. He knew that positioning his car in a way that left little room for Norris to maneuver would force the McLaren driver into a mistake or penalty. It’s a tactic that has served Verstappen well throughout his career—calculated aggression within the framework of F1’s increasingly strict guidelines.
As one commentator put it, Verstappen “gazumped Norris” with his racecraft, forcing McLaren into a split-second call that ultimately cost them. Norris, for all his talent and aggression, was once again outmaneuvered by a driver who has mastered the art of racing to F1’s new, often frustrating, rulebook.
The Real Takeaway
The US Grand Prix will be remembered not for Ferrari’s resurgence but for the battle between two of F1’s brightest stars—and the frustrating reality of modern F1’s rules. Norris’ penalty may have been the right call under the current guidelines, but it highlights how much racing has changed. Instead of drivers fighting for position on track, too many decisions are made in the steward’s room.
If Formula 1 wants to preserve the thrill of racing, it may need to revisit its ever-growing rulebook. As for Norris and Verstappen, their battle is far from over, and one thing is certain: the rest of the season will be even more intense after this dramatic showdown.
