Lando Norris believes Formula 1 title rival Max Verstappen “got what he had coming to him” after his on-track conduct was dealt with severely by the Mexico Grand Prix stewards.
As the Red Bull Racing driver struggled for pace, he dropped from the lead into the clutches of third-placed Norris and, on lap 10, the Briton made his move.
Unlike in the controversial incident a week prior in Austin, Norris ensured his front axle was ahead of Verstappen’s at the apex of Turn 4, meaning he had to be given racing room.
However, Verstappen drove to the white line, forcing Norris off the track. Cutting the grass, the McLaren driver gained a position off the track, but was soon forced to take avoiding action when, at Turn 8, Verstappen lunged wildly on Norris, again forcing both drivers off the track and retaking second position.
For both instances, Verstappen received 10-second penalties – the first for forcing another driver off the track, and the second for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.
“I don't think I need to say much,” said Norris. “I think it's pretty self-explanatory on what happened.
“I did everything I've been told in terms of what the rules are and the guidelines and all of this stuff, yet it just wasn't to be and, of course, he got some penalties for that.”
Regarding the lengths he believes Verstappen would go to topple his title challenge, Norris added: “I go into every race expecting a tough battle with Max.
“It's clear that it doesn't matter if he wins or second, his only job is to beat me in the race, and he'll sacrifice himself to do that, like he did today [Sunday].
“But I want to have good battles with him. I want to have those tough battles, like I've seen him have plenty of times. But fair ones.
“It's always going to be on the line. It's always going to be tough with Max. He's never going to make anyone's life easy, especially mine at this point of the year. But I think today was just… It was not fair, clean racing, and therefore, I think he got what he had coming to him.”
Ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, discussions will take place between the FIA, the single seater commission and the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association to discuss potential changes to guidelines used as rules of engagement.
These will then be discussed with drivers in Qatar before being implemented potentially for that weekend and the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
