Ralf Schumacher has expressed disappointment over the penalty imposed on Lando Norris during his late-race duel with Max Verstappen at the Circuit of The Americas. The two drivers battled fiercely throughout the race, first contesting the lead on the opening lap and then again for the final podium position near the end. Ultimately, Norris received a five-second penalty for exceeding track limits, which relegated him behind Verstappen, who finished ahead despite the close contest.
Norris felt the penalty was unjust, arguing that Verstappen’s defensive maneuvers during the race were equally questionable, particularly a move on lap 52 where he pushed Norris off the track. Instead of investigating Verstappen for what Norris deemed “incorrect” defense, the stewards focused solely on Norris. They ruled that Norris had gained an advantage by passing Verstappen off the track, stating that since Norris was not ahead at the apex, he did not have the right to the corner, which ultimately led to the penalty.
Schumacher sympathizes with Norris’s position, contending that Verstappen also failed to adhere to track limits during their battle. He noted that Verstappen was aggressive in his defense, leaving Norris little room, which affected his racing line. Schumacher believes the penalty was unwarranted, emphasizing that both drivers were competing fiercely, and it was a shame that Norris was penalized when the essence of racing was being exemplified.
In contrast, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, supported the stewards’ decision, arguing that Verstappen acted within the rules during their battle. He characterized Verstappen as a skilled driver who executed a tough but controlled defense. Marko pointed out that Norris had exceeded track limits multiple times and emphasized that it was within the stewards’ rights to impose penalties in such scenarios, even as he acknowledged the exciting nature of the race.
The United States Grand Prix marked a pivotal moment, as Verstappen outperformed Norris for the first time in five races, with Red Bull also outscoring McLaren for the first time since Spain. Despite this, the reigning World Champions remain behind in the Constructors’ Championship, though the gap has narrowed to 40 points, with Verstappen leading Norris by 57 points. The race illustrated the competitive nature of Formula 1, where track limits and strategic decisions heavily influence race outcomes.