The controversy surrounding the US Grand Prix between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris has finally been illuminated, thanks to newly revealed telemetry data. The incident, which occurred on lap 52, led to Norris receiving a five-second penalty, costing him a potential podium finish after a tense battle with the reigning world champion, Verstappen. But the release of critical race data has reignited the debate: was the penalty deserved, and did the FIA get it right?
According to the FIA’s official decision, Verstappen was labeled as the “defending driver” during the maneuver, with Norris deemed the “attacking driver.” This justified the penalty under the FIA’s guidelines, which state that the defending car has the right to maintain its position at the apex of the corner if the attacking car is not significantly alongside.
However, the newly disclosed telemetry tells a different story. It shows that Norris had actually overtaken Verstappen before entering Turn 12, making him the defending driver in the exchange. Yet, Verstappen executed a clever move, delaying his braking and regaining the lead at the apex, effectively forcing Norris off track and into a position where he had no choice but to exceed the track limits.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, McLaren’s part-owner, expressed his disappointment in the ruling, stating, “This data should clear up the confusion. Lando had every right to that corner, and it’s frustrating to see such a masterful race compromised by a technicality.”
The data confirms that Norris had pulled ahead on the straight before Turn 12 but was pushed wide by Verstappen’s aggressive braking tactic. Although the FIA ultimately penalized Norris, this new information brings into question the decision-making process and whether Verstappen’s maneuver should have been scrutinized more closely for forcing his opponent off-track.
As the debate rages on, it’s clear that this telemetry data has added a fresh layer of complexity to an already controversial race, leaving fans and experts alike to ponder who truly had the upper hand in one of the season’s most thrilling battles.
