By tf-lawyer.com As the fallout from the intense battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris during the recent US Grand Prix continues, it prompts a critical reassessment of Formula One’s guidelines. With the two rivals set to clash again this weekend in Mexico, the controversy from Austin remains a hot topic that needs to be addressed.
During the final ten laps in Texas, Verstappen and Norris, who are now 57 points apart in the championship with just five races left, engaged in a thrilling duel at the Circuit of the Americas. The turning point came when Norris attempted to pass Verstappen around the outside of turn 12. Verstappen, taking the inside line, forced Norris wide, resulting in both drivers going off track. Although Norris ultimately overtook Verstappen, he received a five-second penalty for gaining an advantage by leaving the track, which cost him a vital third place and championship points.
According to the stewards, Verstappen followed the rules, as outlined in the FIA’s driving standards guidelines document. This document serves as a reference for drivers, officials, and stewards, and its introduction states that it was created in response to drivers’ requests for clarity on decision-making factors for various driving incidents.
The crux of the ruling stemmed from a focus on who held the lead at the apex of the corner. Since Verstappen was in front, he was deemed to have precedence, meaning Norris had to complete the pass without gaining an advantage by going off track. However, if Verstappen intentionally entered the corner too quickly, knowing he would lead at the apex but also that he would end up wide, Norris was placed in a difficult position: back off, collide with Verstappen, or risk going wide and being penalized.
While fully compliant with the rules, Verstappen’s strategy has drawn significant criticism. Norris voiced his frustration, a sentiment echoed by many in the paddock. Former driver Martin Brundle noted that some competitors were “gaming” the system as they become familiar with how the guidelines are interpreted. Jenson Button directly commented on the situation to Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, stating, “It seems your driver is very good at understanding the regulations, but we need better regulation of what is OK and what isn’t.”
Horner and Verstappen defended their actions, insisting they were adhering to the established rules, yet this defense underscores a pressing need to reevaluate those very guidelines. Verstappen has faced similar scrutiny before, most notably during his controversial defense against Lewis Hamilton in Brazil in 2021, raising questions about whether current rules effectively facilitate fair racing.
As they approached turn 12, although Norris had a slight advantage, Verstappen’s late braking at the apex allowed him to regain what was considered the leading position, despite being unable to make the turn. This creates an almost impossible scenario for drivers attempting to pass on the outside without the risk of punishment. The inconsistency of stewarding further complicates matters; Oscar Piastri received a penalty for pushing Pierre Gasly wide in a similar situation but managed to stay on track, while George Russell faced the same fate for his actions against Valtteri Bottas.
This inconsistency has left drivers confused, with Piastri expressing concern about the contrasting penalties, stating, “I think my incident and Lando and Max’s looked very similar with the opposite penalties. So, I’m sure we’ll have some questions.”
As discussions continue within the FIA, the upcoming drivers’ briefing in Mexico will likely see these issues raised. Brundle, with his extensive experience in racing and commentary, offered a sobering view: “The six-page guidelines, which have been signed off by the FIA, the drivers’ association, and the teams, are a blueprint to dissuade overtaking, especially around the outside.” This critical observation underscores the urgent need for reevaluation to ensure that Formula One maintains the competitive spirit that fans expect.
