“I don’t make the rules!” Max Verstappen defends himself over his controversial dive-bomb on Lando Norris at US GP
Max Verstappen secured the final podium place in Austin after Lando Norris was handed a five-second penalty.
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Max Verstappen and Lando Norris (via Planetf1)
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has defended himself over the controversial dive bomb incident at the United States GP. McLaren’s Lando Norris made an overtake on Verstappen by going beyond the white lines in Austin.
Lando Norris was reprimanded with a five-second penalty for this move, which allowed Max Verstappen to claim P3 last weekend. The Papayas then argued that there was a bias towards the Dutchman. They claimed that Verstappen should have also been penalized for making the same move earlier in the race.
Verstappen has thereafter responded by saying that rules are binding for all regardless of the incident. He also squashed the allegations of bias by stating that he got penalized in the past for his actions.
It’s how the rules are written. I don’t make the rules first of all, I just follow the rules as much as I can . Sometimes you can get penalised, it’s happened in the past. I just implement the rules and play by them. Sometimes you say there are too many and now we need more, things like that always happen, it depends on which side you’re on.
Max Verstappen said at the press conference ahead of the Mexican GP
Irrespective of the incident, Norris was the underperformer in Austin, failing to keep his lead from pole position. His poor form during the start of races has cost him heavily this season. The Brit must now try and make fewer mistakes in the few races of the campaign.
Lando Norris admits not being at the level of Max Verstappen in Formula 1
Lando Norris has had a major breakthrough in terms of performance this season. He has amassed three wins and 11 podiums so far this year. However, he has lagged behind Max Verstappen in terms of skill and consistency for a long time.
Norris has since hailed Verstappen as one of the best drivers in the world. The 24-year-old admitted to not being at the Dutchman’s level but is keen to learn and gain better experience from his childhood companion.
Max is the best in the world in that style of defence and attack, and I’m going up against the best in the world so therefore I need to be at his level. And I’m not quite at his level. Which is a shame to say but is probably the truth, but it’s experience for me and I can learn and get better.
Lando Norris said at the press conference ahead of the Mexican GP
The tussle between Norris and Verstappen has been a feast for Formula 1 fans throughout the season. Nonetheless, the former’s hopes against the latter in the drivers’ championship might be fading after the results in Austin last week.
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Yashraj Chowdhury
(599 Articles Published)