Max Verstappen claims he ‘went’ for the gap at Turn 1 of US GP against pole-sitter Lando Norris
Max Verstappen opened up regarding his dive bomb move on Lando Norris at the first corner during the start of the US GP.
Follow Us
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris (via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen showcased an extremely impressive performance throughout the US GP weekend. The Dutchman won not only the sprint race but was also on the trajectory to score the pole position for the main race. However, a late-session crash from George Russell caused Verstappen to start from P2 as the latter dive-bombed Lando Norris at Turn 1 during the race start.
Lando Norris got the pole position handed to him following George Russell’s crash which ruined Max Verstappen‘s super-flying lap. Regardless, Verstappen tried his best to lead the race heading into Turn 1 of the US GP. The Dutchman pointed out that the turn was very wide and gave a lot of opportunity to go very wide or tight. However, the 27-year-old was still second despite the dive-bomb into Turn 1.
That corner is very wide, so it gives you a lot of opportunity of going very wide or try to go really tight. I chose for that option, and I still came out second!
Max Verstappen told F1 TV
Charles Leclerc immediately took the inside line swooped the race lead and went on to win the US GP. Verstappen benefited in the end by Leclerc getting ahead of him. The reason for this was that the Monegasque was faster anyway and allowed the Dutchman to focus on his race and fend off against Lando Norris for the podium finish.
Started second, came out second out of Turn 1. This time, it was Charles in front. I think it worked out quite well for me because Charles was anyway faster, so he just pulled away. From there, I just tried to do my own race.
Max Verstappen added
Max Verstappen claimed McLaren ‘complained a lot’ in recent races
Max Verstappen’s aggressive defense against Lando Norris caused the latter to receive a five-second penalty due to a track limits violation. As a result, the Woking-based team complained about the penalty to the stewards asking to overturn the results. Upon this, the reigning world champion claimed that the team ‘complained about a lot’ in recent times.
No, I don’t. I mean, they complain about a lot recently. It’s very clear in the rules, outside the white line you cannot pass. I have been done for it as well in the past – I think in 2017, or whenever it was, so I lost my podium like that.
Max Verstappen told Motorsport.com
Red Bull’s performance struggles were present at the US GP despite an impressive podium from Max Verstappen. With just five races remaining, Milton Keynes must seriously pick the pace up. The Austrian team has already lost the constructors’ championship lead to McLaren as they have crushing hopes of contending for the championship again. Regardless, Verstappen is likely to claim the 2024 Drivers’ Championship.
Stay Updated!
/techfirstnow/media/agency_attachments/kATjCXskQdJKkXN0OuqW.png)