Lando Norris explains why he didn’t yield his position to Max Verstappen during the final stages of the American Grand Prix. According to the British driver, it was actually Verstappen who should have given up his position, as he too went off the track. Norris, therefore, questions the stewards’ decision, although he doesn’t believe a higher finish was achievable.
The battle between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen in the closing stages of the Grand Prix in Austin was a highlight of the American race. The clash between the two title contenders ultimately ended in favor of the Dutchman, thanks to a five-second time penalty for the McLaren driver. Norris received the penalty because he overtook Verstappen off the track and then did not give back the position.
“I didn’t give back the position because we thought we were right,” Norris defends his action after the race, speaking to Formula1.com. “Apparently we weren’t (according to the stewards). But I think we were still right, given that Max also went off the track.” According to Norris, Verstappen should have therefore given his position back to the McLaren driver. “But I don’t make the rules. Max drove well, and it was a fun battle between us.”
Norris, however, doesn’t believe that the stewards’ time penalty ultimately cost him the victory. According to the driver, the Ferraris were simply too strong for the MCL38. “I wasn’t really driving very well,” Lando Norris continues. “It was a tough challenge, especially with the tires. When you’re driving at the limit and the tires are old and warm, it’s easier to make mistakes. I didn’t drive well enough today.”
Ferraris in a Class of Their Own
Were there any positives at all from the Grand Prix weekend for Norris? “The best position we could have achieved today was third. The Ferraris were in a class of their own today. I think even if I had maintained the lead in turn one, I would still have ended up third. So if you look at it that way, I only finished one position lower,” the Brit searches for a silver lining. “But that one position lower is probably crucial in the battle with Max. I’m not happy with today, we struggled as a team.”
