Norris Questions Steward Decision: ‘Max Went Off Track Too’

Lando Norris has opened up about the controversial decision during the closing stages of the United States Grand Prix, explaining why he did not relinquish his position to Max Verstappen. According to the British driver, it was Verstappen who should have yielded the spot back to him, as both had gone off the track. This has led Norris to question the stewards’ ruling, although he believes that finishing higher on the podium was no longer within reach.

Intense Showdown in Austin

The fierce battle between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen was one of the highlights of the Austin Grand Prix. Ultimately, the clash between these two championship contenders tilted in favor of the Dutch driver, partly due to Norris receiving a five-second time penalty. This penalty was imposed because Norris had passed Verstappen while both were off the track and failed to return the position.

Norris Defends His Actions

“I didn’t give the position back because we believed we were right,” Norris defended his actions to Formula1.com after the race. “Evidently, we weren’t aligned with the stewards’ perspective. Nevertheless, I still think we had a valid point, especially since Max also went off the track.” Norris argues that because both had made the same mistake, Verstappen should have allowed him to reclaim his spot. “But ultimately, I don’t make the rules. Max drove well, and it was an enjoyable duel between us.”

Reflecting on the Race Performance

However, Norris does not think that the stewards’ time penalty cost him the win. He acknowledged that the Ferrari drivers were simply too dominant for his McLaren MCL38. “I didn’t perform my best out there,” he admitted. “It was a challenging race, especially with tire management. When you’re pushing hard and the tires are old and overheated, mistakes are easier to make. I just wasn’t good enough today.”

Highlighting the Quality of Ferrari

Was there any silver lining in the Grand Prix for Norris? He reflected, “The best position we could realistically achieve was third place. The Ferraris were in a league of their own today. I believe that if I had maintained the lead through the first corner, I would have still ended up in third. So in that sense, I .comy finished one position lower.” Despite this small consolation, he acknowledged that being that one position lower could have significant implications in his championship battle with Verstappen. “I’m not satisfied with how today turned out; we struggled as a team.”

Norris’s experience at the United States Grand Prix serves as a reminder of the high stakes in Formula 1, where every decision and every lap counts. With the season still unfolding, the dynamic between Norris and Verstappen will undoubtedly remain a focal point for fans and pundits alike.