The tension escalated at the Mexico City Grand Prix as FIA announced additional penalties for Max Verstappen after McLaren lodged an official complaint regarding his driving tactics. Verstappen received two 10-second penalties during the race for aggressive maneuvers against Lando Norris, significantly impacting his lead in the championship standings.

🚨 10 SECONDES DE PÉNALITÉ POUR MAX VERSTAPPEN POUR AVOIR POUSSÉ LANDO NORRIS EN DEHORS DE LA PISTE !#F1 #MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/12UJ6FNGF9

— Off Track (@OffTrack_FR) October 27, 2024

Verstappen’s aggressive driving came to the forefront 15 laps into the race when he pushed Norris off the track twice. As a result, he finished sixth, cutting his title lead down to 47 points, while Norris secured a crucial second place.

After the race, which was ultimately won by Carlos Sainz of Ferrari, Norris expressed his frustrations, stating, “It wasn’t clean racing. I knew what to expect. I didn’t want to expect that kind of thing because I respect Max a lot as a driver, but I was ready for something like this.” Norris emphasized that he was focused on maintaining a good race and avoiding collisions.

Verstappen, who was penalised by 20 seconds, refused to publicly comment on the incidents

McLaren boss Zak Brown was furious as he slammed Verstappen and said ‘enough is enough’

McLaren’s CEO, Zak Brown, echoed Norris’s sentiments, expressing his dissatisfaction with the penalties: “The penalties were probably not enough. It’s getting a bit ridiculous. Enough is enough. Let’s just have some good clean racing moving forwards.”

Lando Norris said he was ‘expecting’ Max Verstappen’s ‘dangerous’ tactics in Mexico

The pair twice came together 15 laps into the race, with Norris going off the track both times

Norris hit out at Verstappen for what he described as ‘not clean racing’ on Sunday evening

Following the incidents, a spokesperson from FIA commented, “We are committed to ensuring fair play on the track. The additional penalties reflect our ongoing evaluation of driver conduct and safety.”

Despite the penalties, Verstappen remained composed, refusing to engage in a debate about the incidents. He stated, “Well, 20 seconds is a lot, but I am not going to cry about it… It is what it is. Life goes on. I just keep racing.”

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner added, “The FIA and the drivers need to sit down and decide what is acceptable and what isn’t. Two 10-second penalties was a bit on the harsh side.”

As the season progresses, the rivalry between Verstappen and Norris intensifies, raising questions about future encounters on the track. The FIA’s actions signal their commitment to maintaining safety and fairness in Formula 1 racing.