Ex-Red Bull driver insists Max Verstappen allowed to push boundaries over clash with Lando Norris at US GP
Karun Chandhok claimed that Max Verstappen did not break any rules during his battle against Lando Norris last weekend.
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Max Verstappen and Lando Norris (via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have had a fierce rivalry this year. The reigning world champion faces the threat of losing the title to Norris. However, it was Verstappen who emerged victorious during the controversial battle in Austin. Now, former F1 driver Karun Chandhok has highlighted how the Dutch driver stayed within the rules during the race.
Chandhok expressed that ideally Formula 1 should ensure that a driver gets one car’s width of space if they’re 75% alongside the car in front. However, the former Indian driver made it clear that this was not the case with the current rules.
In my opinion, if the driver on the outside is more than 75% alongside – as Lando was – then they should be entitled to one car’s width on the exit of the corner, but currently that is not in the rules.
Karun Chandhok wrote on X
Karun Chandhok claimed that Max Verstappen simply pushed the boundaries of the current rules during his battle with Norris. However, the three-time world champion did nothing wrong with his move. While it was Lando Norris who was given a penalty for gaining an advantage.
The way the current rules are, Max pushed the boundaries but he’s allowed to.
Karun Chandhok stated
IMO if the driver on the outside is more than 75% alongside – as Lando was – then they should be entitled to 1 cars width on the exit of the corner, but currently that is not in the rules.
— Karun Chandhok (@karunchandhok) October 21, 2024
The way the current rules are, Max pushed the boundaries but he’s allowed to.
If there… https://t.co/crQGSiaIWq
Karun Chandhok agrees with Lando Norris’ penalty
The former Indian driver highlighted that if there was a gravel trap, Norris would’ve tried to stay within track limits. Karun Chandhok emphasized that the McLaren driver did overtake Max Verstappen off-track and should’ve given back the position straightaway. Red Bull boss Christian Horner even admitted that Lando Norris would’ve overtaken the Dutch driver again if he had given the place back.
If there was gravel or a wall along the outside of the kerb, then Lando wouldn’t have tried to hang on for so long out there. Fundamentally, he overtook another car while off-track and should have given the place back straight away.
Karun Chandhok explained
Certainly, the US GP has changed the dynamics of the 2024 title fight. Norris would be feeling more pressure after failing to close in on Verstappen. On the other hand, the reigning world champion seems to be rejuvenated for the last five races of the season.
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Armaan Agarwal
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