Max Verstappen’s aggressive clashes with Lando Norris in the Mexico City Grand Prix resulted in two 10-second penalties, signaling that the reigning champion had gone beyond the boundaries of Formula 1’s racing rules. The incidents with Norris happened in quick succession, tarnishing Verstappen’s race and drawing sharp contrasts to his controversial yet penalty-free moves against the McLaren driver just a week earlier at the United States GP.
Verstappen’s first penalty came when he forced Norris off-track as they battled for position, with Norris holding a clear overlap into the corner’s apex. This differed from Austin, where Verstappen’s aggressive moves on the opening lap and a defensive maneuver later in the race narrowly avoided sanction. At Austin, Verstappen’s actions were deemed within the guidelines, benefitting from opening-lap leniency and the current rules, which allowed him to crowd Norris off the exit as long as he briefly retook the racing line at the apex.
In Mexico, however, Verstappen crossed the line twice. The first incident saw Norris maintain his position through the corner, only for Verstappen to force him wide at the exit. After rejoining the track, Norris let Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc pass due to his unintentional advantage. Verstappen’s second penalty soon followed when he retaliated with a risky lunge on the inside, pushing Norris off and running wide himself.
The penalties highlight the subtle yet significant differences in racing rules interpretations between the two races, adding to calls from drivers and teams to revise the guidelines on forcing rivals off-track. Drivers expressed frustration in Mexico, believing the current rules create inconsistencies in the stewarding of on-track incidents.
Verstappen’s penalties reflect that his actions in Mexico were beyond what the rules allow, drawing the line between hard racing and going too far. With revised guidelines potentially in the works, Verstappen’s actions might become a defining example of the limits on overtaking and aggressive defending, as Formula 1 aims to clarify its rules and ensure fair play.
