Ralf Schumacher slams unnecessary outcome of Max Verstappen’ battle with Lando Norris at US GP
Ralf Schumacher berated the five-second penalty awarded to Lando Norris over his antics against Max Verstappen at the US GP.
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Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Ralf Schumacher (via IMAGO)
Lando Norris and Max Verstappen fought extremely hard towards the end of the US GP for a podium finish. Verstappen emerged victorious after Norris was hit with a five-second penalty due to a track limits violation. People berated the FIA following the unnecessary penalty and ruining the racing action. Ex-F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believed the same as he talked against the penalty to the Briton.
Max Verstappen showcased great defense in a struggling chassis towards the end. Lando Norris also went too deep in Turn 1 on a particular lap and overtook the Dutchman from outside the track which caused the penalty. However, according to Ralf Schumacher, Verstappen got stuck and left no room for Norris. Schumacher labeled the penalty and the incident as a ‘shame’.
In my opinion, Verstappen got stuck in. There was no room for Norris at that moment and he would have preferred to take a better line. I think it’s a shame.
Ralf Schumacher told Sky Deutschland
Schumacher believed that whatever happened between Verstappen and Norris was just part of racing. According to Schumacher, both drivers gave it their all to improve their position in the pecking order. However, despite the last straw move from Norris, a five-second penalty wasn’t necessary as per the German.
It was racing for me. Max tried everything, Lando tried everything. The penalty wasn’t necessary for me.
Ralf Schumacher added
Helmut Marko asserted Max Verstappen ‘no fool’ after scoring US GP podium
Helmut Marko backed the Red Bull star in this sitch and noted that Max Verstappen defended himself and was ‘no fool’. Marko labeled the Dutchman as one of the ‘most controlled’ drivers and one of the toughest. Moreover, Lando Norris violated the track limits for the fourth time and hence received the penalty towards the end.
He defended himself and it’s clear that he’s no fool. He is one of the most controlled drivers, but also one of the toughest. Lando knows that. He had exceeded the track limit and it would have been the fourth time.
Helmut Marko told Sky Deutschland
Verstappen’s podium finish at the US GP and also the sprint victory will take a big hit at Norris’ contention for the championship. The former has continued to maintain the lead despite struggling pace from Milton Keynes. Hence, the 27-year-old is highly likely to be crowned as the 2024 drivers’ champion.
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Aditya Pandya
(1560 Articles Published)