In recent developments from the world of Formula 1, Max Verstappen has been handed an additional penalty by the FIA, resulting in two extra points on his superlicence following his clashes with Lando Norris during the Mexican Grand Prix. This decision comes after Verstappen received a total of 20 seconds in time penalties during the race for two separate incidents involving the McLaren driver, highlighting the intensity of their rivalry as they vie for the 2024 championship.
The FIA’s imposition of two penalty points has increased Verstappen’s total to six for the past year. The significance of this accumulation is that reaching 12 points results in a one-race ban, a rule that was introduced in 2014. Haas driver Kevin Magnussen notably became the first driver to receive a ban under this regulation earlier this season, raising the stakes for Verstappen as he navigates the final races of the season.
In the aftermath of the race, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner defended Verstappen’s actions vigorously. He presented GPS data from Norris’s car during a post-race media briefing, attempting to illustrate that the circumstances of the race—particularly at Turn 4 on Lap 10—would have made it impossible for Norris to pass without risk. This data was used to bolster the team’s case against the penalties imposed on Verstappen, emphasizing the controversial nature of the incidents.
Commenting on the events, Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle expressed strong disapproval of Verstappen’s aggressive maneuver at Turn 7, which forced both drivers to veer off the track. He labeled the move as “plain dangerous” and “ridiculous,” suggesting that Verstappen was fortunate not to receive a more severe penalty, such as a drive-through. This commentary underscores the ongoing debate about driver conduct and safety within the sport, particularly in high-stakes situations like the championship battle.
Additionally, tensions within Red Bull were highlighted by Helmut Marko’s criticism of Liam Lawson, who reacted strongly during his battle with Sergio Perez. Lawson, considered a frontrunner for Perez’s seat in 2025, was seen waving his middle finger at Perez after a competitive exchange. Meanwhile, Ralf Schumacher voiced concerns over Perez’s future with Red Bull, especially after his poor performance in Mexico, where he finished 17th and has not secured a podium since April. Schumacher speculated that Red Bull may make crucial decisions regarding Perez’s position following the Mexican race, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the team’s lineup for the next season.
