Max Verstappen was handed a 10-second time penalty during the Mexico City Grand Prix following his latest clash with F1 rival Lando Norris.
The incident was reminiscent of what unfolded towards the end of last Sunday’s United States Grand Prix when Norris attempted an overtake on Verstappen which he completed off track, earning a five-second penalty.
On this occasion, on lap 10 of the 71-lap race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Norris again looked for a pass on Verstappen for second place and appeared to have the nose of his McLaren ahead at the apex of Turn 4.
Verstappen, however, forced Norris off track and across the grass. The British driver returned to the circuit in the lead ahead of the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz but naturally gave the place, and slotted in ahead of Verstappen.
Approaching the next overtaking point on the approach to Turn 7, it was Verstappen’s turn to attack Norris, but through Turn 8 the three-time F1 champion again forced Norris off track but did not hand back the place, which proved to be third as Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc had taken advantage of the squabbling.
Norris complained bitterly over the radio. He said: “I was ahead the whole way through the corner. This guy is dangerous. I just have to avoid a crash. It’s the same as last time.”
The stewards viewed both incidents independently, handing Verstappen 10-second time penalties for both incidents. The first for forcing Norris off track, the second for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.
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