14/10/2025 15:40
Lando Norris' pursuit of Max Verstappen in the closing stages of
the 2024 United States Grand Prix delivered classic Formula 1
action, but ultimately left the McLaren driver lamenting both his
own "muppet" mistakes and the sport's regulatory grey areas.
Starting from pole position after a commanding qualifying
performance, Norris appeared set for his dream scenario at the
Circuit of the Americas. However, first-corner chaos saw
Verstappen slip between the Briton and Charles Leclerc before both
went wide, allowing the Ferrari driver to capitalise and take the
lead. Verstappen, visibly frustrated after his qualifying session
was disrupted by yellow flags, adopted a calculated approach in the
opening phases. With Leclerc's and Carlos Sainz's pace leaving
little room for a victory challenge, the real battle emerged for
the final podium position. The decisive moment arrived at Turn 12
on lap 52/56 during a late-race exchange, which saw Norris finally
opt for an aggressive approach to battle Verstappen. Norris,
sensing an opportunity, launched a brave attack around the outside.
Verstappen's defensive response was typically uncompromising,
forcing the McLaren wide and partially off the circuit. While
Norris emerged ahead, the stewards ruled he had "left the track and
gained an advantage," imposing a five-second penalty that dropped
him from third to fourth. Verstappen inherited the podium spot, his
satisfaction evident in the post-race interviews. The aftermath The
aftermath sparked familiar debates about regulatory consistency.
Norris highlighted the "inconsistency" of previous incidents going
unpunished, while Verstappen maintained that "rules are just rules"
and he had operated within acceptable parameters. Norris later
accepted culpability for earlier errors, admitting: "If I had been
able to defend a little better at the start and then not drive
around like a muppet, I might have been in the lead after the
start. Then this conversation would not even have taken place." The
incident underscored ongoing concerns about track limits
enforcement and the FIA's struggle for consistency. The
consequences extended beyond the results. For Norris, this meant
missed points again in his late title charge as well as a
psychological tick. He had the speed to beat Verstappen, but lost
by a fraction. For Verstappen, it was confirmation of his
reputation: he is not always the fastest, but he is the most
ruthless. His ability to dance on the edge of the rules without
falling off is perhaps his greatest weapon.
