Ralf Schumacher has criticized the five-second penalty handed to Lando Norris at the United States Grand Prix, labeling the FIA’s decision as an unnecessary interference that spoiled the thrilling battle between Norris and Max Verstappen. The two drivers fought tooth and nail toward the end of the race, but it was Verstappen who emerged victorious after Norris was penalized for exceeding track limits, a decision that has sparked debate across the paddock.
Norris’ penalty came after he ran wide at Turn 1 while attempting an ambitious move on Verstappen, overtaking the Red Bull driver from outside the track. The violation ultimately cost Norris a podium finish, leading to widespread frustration. Schumacher, a former F1 driver, was among those who voiced displeasure with the decision, suggesting the incident was simply hard racing.
“In my opinion, Verstappen got stuck in. There was no room for Norris at that moment, and he would have preferred to take a better line,” Schumacher said. “I think it’s a shame.”
Schumacher, who has long been an advocate for allowing drivers to race more freely, felt the penalty was an overreach by the stewards. He argued that both Verstappen and Norris were doing everything they could to gain an edge, and such incidents are part of the sport. “It was racing for me. Max tried everything, Lando tried everything. The penalty wasn’t necessary,” Schumacher added.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, took a more measured stance, defending Verstappen’s actions while acknowledging the difficulty of the situation. Marko emphasized Verstappen’s racing intelligence and control, noting that the Dutchman is known for his toughness but also for staying within the rules. According to Marko, Norris’ penalty was warranted after exceeding track limits multiple times.
“He defended himself, and it’s clear that he’s no fool. He is one of the most controlled drivers, but also one of the toughest. Lando knows that,” Marko stated. “He had exceeded the track limit, and it would have been the fourth time.”
The penalty proved to be a critical blow to Norris, who had been vying for a podium finish that would have kept his championship hopes alive. Meanwhile, Verstappen continued his relentless march toward a likely 2024 Drivers’ Championship, extending his lead despite what has been a challenging weekend for Red Bull’s chassis.
As the debate rages on, Schumacher’s take on the matter underscores the frustration many feel about the balance between letting drivers race and enforcing strict regulations. With the stakes high for both drivers, the incident has further fueled the ongoing conversation about how penalties should be applied in F1’s most competitive moments.
