Lando Norris expressed deep disappointment following his fourth-place finish at the United States Grand Prix, where he lost out to Max Verstappen in a closely contested battle. He felt that Verstappen’s defensive tactics during their racing duel were unjustified, particularly when the two went wheel-to-wheel at the Circuit of The Americas. Norris pointed out that Verstappen’s aggressive move to the inside not only allowed him to defend his position but also opened the door for Charles Leclerc to take the lead, which intensified Norris’s feelings about the fairness of the race.
In the closing laps, Norris was determined to catch Verstappen for the final podium spot. On lap 52, he made a bold attempt to overtake Verstappen around the outside, but both drivers ended up off the track after Verstappen’s defensive maneuver. Although Norris managed to re-enter the track ahead, he was subsequently given a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage. This decision baffled him, as he believed Verstappen’s actions had forced him off, suggesting a contradiction in how the rules were applied.
Norris criticized the stewards for what he saw as inconsistent decision-making, especially when comparing the incident to Verstappen’s earlier performance in Austria, where he received no penalty for similar actions. Norris felt that the stewards did not take enough time to fully consider the context of his situation, leading to what he deemed a rushed and unjust decision. He expressed frustration that his team’s arguments about the legitimacy of his position were not adequately heard or considered by the officials.
Despite his grievances, Norris acknowledged Verstappen’s skillful driving and the excitement of their battle. He highlighted the competitive spirit of the race, noting that both drivers were pushing hard for every position. However, the penalty overshadowed the enjoyment of the competition for Norris, who felt the outcome did not accurately reflect the effort put forth during the race.
Norris concluded by mentioning that McLaren would not pursue an appeal against the penalty, citing regulations that prohibit such actions. He described this restriction as “silly” and indicative of the broader challenges drivers face with stewarding decisions. Ultimately, Norris left the race feeling a mix of frustration and disappointment, believing that the stewards did not fully grasp the complexities of racing, particularly in high-stakes battles like his with Verstappen.