Formula 1 drivers are calling for clarification on why Max Verstappen was not penalized for a controversial move during the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. In the final laps, McLaren’s Lando Norris was penalized five seconds for veering off track to pass Red Bull’s Verstappen, who also went off track but was not penalized for forcing Norris wide.
According to current racing standards, Verstappen, as the defending car, was within his rights and was not obligated to leave space for Norris. Despite the stewards’ interpretation aligning with current rules, some F1 drivers expressed concerns on Friday to Motorsport.com, criticizing the practice of drivers being allowed to aggressively push inside and gain the advantage without fully controlling the corner.
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time F1 champion, described this as a “grey area” that the FIA should address.
“They probably need to make some adjustments for sure,” Hamilton said. “We do have inconsistencies in rulings depending on which stewards are there. As a sport, we do need to level up in all areas. I’ve experienced it many times with Max. You shouldn’t be able to just launch the car up the inside, go off, and still hold the position.”
George Russell, Hamilton’s teammate, shared that he believes Verstappen was “exploring a loophole” and should have been penalized.
Verstappen, currently chasing a fourth straight world title, finished third in Austin and maintained his lead in the drivers’ standings with five races remaining. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz secured the top two spots, with Norris finishing fourth.
Sainz also voiced his concerns, suggesting the FIA should define the limits of aggressive defensive driving.
“It changes the way we go racing,” Sainz explained. “It means the guy defending on the inside can brake as late as they want and can fake trying to hit the apex even when they’re not. It needs to be clarified because, in that case, both were to blame: Max for running wide and Lando for gaining a position off the track. That’s why this scenario is particularly complex to rule on.”
Source: Field Level Media
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