‘Verstappen’s driving wasn’t that clean, he got what he deserved’

A week after the incident between them in Texas, this time Max Verstappen’s duel with Lando Norris for the 2nd position of the Mexican GP in the 10th round of yesterday’s race ended in favor of the Englishman of McLaren.

Verstappen was handed two penalties, for racing moves on Norris at Turn 4 and then at Turn 8. The Englishman, who described Verstappen’s driving as “dangerous” in his radio communication with McLaren at the time, said after his fight. that he has no doubt that these sentences were fair.

“‘I knew what to expect”the Englishman pointed out. “I didn’t want to expect something like that because I have a lot of respect for Max as a driver, but I was ready for it. This ride is not very clean in my opinion, but he avoided it and it was a good race. In the first rounds, the main issue was to stay in the race and avoid any collision”.

Speaking about the penalties the Dutchman received, Norris said: “I go into every fight expecting a tough fight with Max. It’s clear that it doesn’t matter if it’s for the win or 2nd place, his only job is to beat me in the race. And he will sacrifice himself to achieve it, as he did here.

But I want to have good fights with him. I want us to have these tough battles, like so many times, but to have them be fair. It’s always going to be borderline, it’s always going to be difficult with Max.

It’s never going to make anyone’s life easy, especially mine at this point in the year. It wasn’t a fair, clean competitive fight, so I think he got what he deserved.”Lando Norris added.

After his second place in Mexico and Verstappen’s 6th, which was dropped by two penalties the Dutchman’s lead at the top of the standings from Norris was reduced to 47 points (from 57 before the Mexico race).

There are 4 GPs and 2 Sprints left in the season, and speaking about this title battle with the Dutchman, Norris said: “I’m still 47 points behind, so I don’t feel like I’m that much closer than before. But every point helps.

Charles (Leclerc) got the fastest lap at the end, so that was another point I lost. I just do my job and stay committed, as does the team. Many are against us, but we will keep pushing to move forward”Norris concluded.

Brown: “Enough, it’s getting ridiculous”

Meanwhile, McLaren Racing chief executive Zach Brown said after the Mexico City race that Max Verstappen was “probably not enough” of the penalties for his duel with Norris, and followed up with some harsh words.

“I mean, it’s starting to get a little ridiculous. I applaud her judges FIA, enough already. Let’s have some good battles moving forward.”said the American.

And he continued: “I think the referees have taken care of the matter. It is clear from the penalties they imposed. So I don’t think we should do anything, just let the judges do their job. They did a good job this three days”Brown added.

And finally, for his part, he said about the constructors’ title battle: “It’s tighter than I’d like, but it’s great for her formula 1, it’s great to see her Ferrari and the McLaren to fight for the world championship.

We can’t rule it out either Red Bull, it’s not too far. It will be an exciting finish to the season.”Zach Brown concluded. After the Mexico race, we remind you that McLaren leads the constructors’ championship by 29 points from Ferrari and 54 points from Red Bull Racing.