Lando Norris has suggested Max Verstappen’s tactics in Formula 1’s United States Grand Prix made his intentions “clear,” as he revealed he’s often had to avoid collisions to stay competitive this season. The intense rivalry between the two was in the spotlight in Austin, with a controversial penalty awarded to Norris after a daring overtake on Verstappen that extended the Dutchman’s lead in the championship to 57 points.
In the incident, Norris completed a move around the outside of Verstappen at Turn 12 but went off-track, resulting in a five-second penalty that ultimately cost him the podium. Norris and McLaren argued the penalty was unfair, claiming Verstappen’s late braking forced the Briton wide. But while Verstappen emerged unscathed in the ruling, Norris believes the championship leader’s bold approach stems from his secure position in the standings.
“He’s in a much more powerful position than I am,” Norris explained. “It’s up to me and the team to try and overcome that, but it’s clear what his intentions are on track. Turn 1 or Turn 12 could easily have ended in a collision, and I’ve had to be the one to back down and avoid them. I want to race, but I think the rule application last weekend needs looking at.”
Since their on-track clash earlier in the season at the Australian Grand Prix, Norris revealed he has repeatedly found himself in similar situations with Verstappen. “I’ve managed to avoid bigger crashes and stay in the race, but these situations could have ended very differently,” Norris reflected.
The US GP penalty remains a divisive issue, as Norris compared it to a similar incident involving George Russell and Valtteri Bottas, where Russell was penalized for pushing Bottas off track. “I was ahead of Max; he was the one attacking me. I just maintained my position,” Norris argued. “I think it’s something we need to discuss because a lot of drivers and teams didn’t agree with the decision.”
Although Verstappen’s position at the apex entitled him to the corner, Norris is advocating for stewards with racing experience to better interpret driver intentions and racing nuances. “It’s very difficult to steward these situations because every case is unique,” he said. “You need people who understand the thought process of a driver and who’ve been in those situations.”
With the focus now shifting to Mexico, Norris plans to put the incident behind him but maintains that the rules need clearer interpretations. “I have to move forward, but I think last weekend didn’t entirely fit the guidelines,” he concluded. “Hopefully, we can find a balance where we’re still allowed to race without over-policing every move.”
