Ex-world champion calls for a ‘clear rule’ book following incessant criticism of Max Verstappen in 2024

Mario Andretti feels that the FIA must judge every situation with clearly defined rules in light of Max Verstappen's recent incidents.

Ex-world champion calls for a ‘clear rule’ book following incessant criticism of Max Verstappen in 2024

Max Verstappen speaking (via Total Motorsport)

Former American F1 driver Mario Andretti has defended Red Bull driver Max Verstappen in light of the incidents in the past few races. Verstappen was penalized with a 20-second penalty at the Mexican GP for impeding and blocking a driver on the track.

Max Verstappen has always been very vocal regarding his preferences and choices. The 27-year-old felt that his actions were justified during the race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. The three-time world champion’s actions were nevertheless criticized by many after the race.

YouTube video

Andretti has since urged the FIA to ascertain fixed rules for any incidents that take place on the track. He has also said that Verstappen has been making these mistakes as his car is no longer as dominant as before.

FS Video

I see a Verstappen who is a bit ‘unhinged’ by the dynamics of the season and the situation at 
Red Bull . His position is very different from last year and early 2024, which means he suddenly has to get performances out of the car that aren’t there. When you no longer have a dominant car and you have to make efforts that are too much to ask, you make mistakes. Sometimes penalties are justified and sometimes they aren’t. However, there have to be clear rules so that you don’t change the penalty every time.

Mario Andretti said (via RacingNews365.nl)

Verstappen despite his shortfalls leads the drivers’ championship by 62 points this season. He won the Brazilian Grand Prix in stellar fashion after starting from P17. The Red Bull driver’s main goal now will be to win the remaining races and claim his fourth championship title.

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Lando Norris talks about his relationship with Max Verstappen amidst title tussle this season

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen have been battling it out for wins and podiums throughout the season. The McLaren driver, however, has failed to win as much as Verstappen despite having a predominantly faster car.

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris (via Planetf1)
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris (via Planetf1)

Lando Norris is hoping that his bond with Verstappen remains the same despite their battles on the track. The 24-year-old expressed surprise as to how different the Dutchman behaves in a Formula 1 car during a race.

I don’t know, I’m split. In some ways, you kind of think how someone can be personally and how you can get along with people can be so different to how you are on track. It’s such a different world there on the track to here doing this [in the paddock]. It’s my first time being in this situation, and time will tell how that changes. But for now I still respect Max, I think he respects me, but maybe ask me again at the end of the year!

Lando Norris said after the Brazilian Grand Prix
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Norris has also been at fault on some occasions while trying to compete against Verstappen this season. Both drivers have been regularly reprimanded by the FIA, which stands as a lesson for them to race in a cleaner manner from here on.