Formula 1 drivers are looking for explanations on why Max Verstappen was not penalized for a questionable move during the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on Sunday.
With just four laps remaining, McLaren’s Lando Norris went off the track to pass Verstappen from Red Bull and received a five-second penalty. Meanwhile, Verstappen also left the track but faced no penalty for forcing Norris wide.
Verstappen was considered in the right as the defending driver and didn’t have to provide space for Norris to pass, according to the current racing rules.
Even though the race officials seemed to interpret the rules correctly, several F1 drivers expressed their concerns to Motorsport.com about “drivers being able to dive inside without considering whether they can make the corner, as long as they are ahead of their rival at the turn.”
Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton described the situation as a “grey area.”
“They probably need to make some adjustments for sure,” said Hamilton, referring to the FIA. “We also see inconsistencies in rulings depending on which stewards are present. As a sport, we need to improve in all areas.
“I’ve faced this many times with Max. You shouldn’t be allowed to just dive into the corner and then go off while still keeping your position.”
George Russell, Hamilton’s teammate, believes Verstappen was “exploring a loophole” and should have received a penalty.
As he chases a fourth consecutive world title, Verstappen finished third in Austin, maintaining his lead in the driver’s standings with five races left. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz took first and second place in Texas, while Norris came in fourth.
Sainz expressed his desire for the FIA to clarify the limits of aggressive behavior for a defending driver.
“… It changes the way we go racing,” Sainz said. “It means the driver defending on the inside can brake as late as they want and can pretend they are aiming for the apex when they might not be.
“It needs to be clarified because in that situation, both were at fault: Max for going wide and Lando for gaining a position off the track. That’s why this specific scenario is very complicated to rule on.”
