Lando Norris and Max Verstappen were engaged in an intense battle during the closing laps of the United States Grand Prix, leading to a controversial overtaking maneuver. As both drivers exited Turn 12, Verstappen defended his position aggressively, causing both to run off the track into the escape area. In the ensuing chaos, Norris managed to overtake Verstappen, but was subsequently penalized with a five-second time penalty, which demoted him to a position behind the reigning World Champion at the finish line.
Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, offered insight into the team’s decision-making regarding the incident. He stated that both Norris and Verstappen left the track, and thus the situation was effectively neutral. Stella emphasized that Verstappen’s defensive move was overly aggressive, asserting that he went straight at the apex, leaving no opportunity for Norris to complete the overtaking maneuver without going off the track himself. According to Stella, this raised questions about the legitimacy of Verstappen’s defense.
Stella expressed concern about the FIA stewards’ quick ruling on the incident. He believed that they should have taken more time to analyze the situation, especially given its complexity. He supported Norris’ suggestion that drivers should be consulted during investigations to ensure a thorough understanding of the circumstances. Stella questioned the need for such a rapid decision-making process, particularly when the outcome could have significant implications for the championship.
The lack of communication from McLaren regarding Norris yielding to Verstappen stemmed from their belief that the stewards were primarily investigating Verstappen’s actions for pushing Norris off the track. Stella noted that the team’s interpretation of the incident differed significantly from that of the stewards. This disconnect led McLaren to assume that there was no requirement for Norris to give the position back, as they anticipated an investigation into Verstappen’s aggressive defense.
Stella has been critical of Verstappen’s defensive tactics throughout the season, citing past incidents such as a collision between the two drivers in Austria and a controversial maneuver in the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix. He reiterated that defending by going off-track should not be permissible and argued that Verstappen’s actions left no room for Norris to execute a safe overtake. Stella’s comments reflect a broader concern about the standards of acceptable racing conduct.
Lastly, Stella highlighted another incident earlier in the race, where Verstappen had forced Norris wide at Turn 1, resulting in a loss of positions for Norris. While McLaren accepted this aggressive move as part of the first-lap racing dynamics, Stella urged the FIA to exercise greater caution and deliberation in reviewing complex incidents like the one at Turn 12. He called for the stewards to take the time necessary to analyze such situations thoroughly, rather than making hasty decisions that could adversely affect race outcomes.
