At the Mexican Grand Prix, FIA stewards penalized Max Verstappen for forcing Lando Norris off the track during an aggressive wheel-to-wheel battle for second place. Verstappen had previously clashed with Norris in Austin, but this time, while he kept within the track’s white lines at Turn 4, he later made an even riskier move at Turn 7, causing both drivers to go wide near the track wall. This action led to Verstappen receiving two separate 10-second penalties for pushing Norris off the track and gaining an illegal advantage, ultimately costing Verstappen a potential podium finish as he ended the race in sixth place, while Norris secured second.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff praised the decision, suggesting that the penalties set a significant precedent for how aggressive on-track maneuvers will be judged moving forward. Wolff highlighted that racing experience helps drivers understand the impact of aggressive braking and cornering, where pushing a competitor off the track is often intentional. He indicated that while drivers naturally push boundaries, the ruling on Verstappen’s actions might define a new limit, potentially restricting maneuvers that force rivals off track without consequence.
According to Wolff, the stewards’ decision at the Mexican GP could lead to clearer guidelines about leaving space in wheel-to-wheel battles. He emphasized that drivers will likely be held more accountable when it comes to late braking or cornering that compromises their competitor’s position, suggesting that the sport has now drawn a line on forcing cars off the track. Wolff believes this will improve the quality of racing, making it safer and more competitive, as drivers will think twice before engaging in excessively aggressive tactics.
Reflecting on Verstappen’s previous incidents, particularly in Austria and Austin, Wolff noted that this ruling could be a step toward a necessary change in Formula 1’s approach to driving standards. He emphasized that with more consistent penalties, such behaviors will become less frequent. Wolff further suggested that penalties like the one issued at the Mexican GP would serve as a deterrent, making drivers more aware of the consequences of overly aggressive actions and creating a fairer, more regulated racing environment.
Looking back to the 2021 season when Verstappen’s battles with Lewis Hamilton also raised concerns about driving standards, Wolff indicated that stewarding inconsistencies in the past had allowed certain aggressive moves to become normalized. However, he believes this latest decision could signal a shift, potentially leading the FIA to establish more specific driving guidelines from the Qatar Grand Prix onwards. This move, he hopes, will enforce a higher standard of fairness and sportsmanship in Formula 1.
