MEXICO CITY — Max Verstappen was given two 10-second penalties after two different incidents with title rival Lando Norris at the Mexico City GP.
Norris was forced off the circuit while trying to pass Verstappen for at Turn 4 on the 11th lap, but appeared to have been ahead at the apex.
Norris stayed ahead once he rejoined the circuit but was then forced off the circuit again as Verstappen went off track himself to reclaim second position at Turn 8.
“This guy is dangerous,” Norris told McLaren immediately afterwards on the radio. “I just had to avoid a crash. It’s the same as last time.”
The stewards investigated both incidents separately and handed two 10-second penalties to the championship leaders.
“Following the incident in Turn 4,” the stewards reported, “Verstappen attempted to pass Norris on the inside at Turn 8. Verstappen was ahead at the apex of Turn 8 and would have been entitled to racing room.
“However, he was not able to complete the maneuver on the track, left the track and kept the lasting advantage gaining the position, incidently forcing Norris off the track.
“The penalty is the standard penalty for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage.”
Verstappen’s aggressive moves on Norris at the U.S. Grand Prix had been a major talking point coming into the race weekend.
It could be a hugely significant moment in the title race, with Verstappen 57 points ahead of Norris going into the race, but likely to lose a chunk of positions as the race unfolds.
“And how about him then, Turn 4? That’s fine then? That’s silly man.” Verstappen said when told about the second penalty.
The Dutchman went on to serve the penalty at his first pitstop.
Verstappen’s incident with Norris helped Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc into a comfortable one-two lead.
Source: www.espn.com