Why the FIA ​​gave Max Verstappen two huge penalties for the Mexican GP

The FIA ​​​​​​handed out a 20-second time penalty to Max Verstappen as he resumed the battle with Lando Norris in Mexico.

The first flashpoint between the duo early in the race arrived at Turn 4 when Norris attempted to go around the outside Verstappen in turn 4 but went to the run-off, forced to do so by Verstappen, the stewards decided. And later in Turn 8, Verstappen passed Norris off track and did not regain the position. The stewards decided he left the track and gained a lasting advantage.

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The stewards handed out a pair of 10-second penalties to Verstappen in response, with the Dutchman eventually finishing in P6 at the checkered flag while Norris was in P2, reducing Verstappen’s lead. Drivers Championship led to 47 points with four laps to go.

In explaining their assessment of the Turn 4 incident between Verstappen and Norris, the stewards first noted that they: “Assessed the data from the positioning/marshall system, video, radio and video evidence in the car.

“Norris tried to overtake on the outside of Verstappen in Turn 4. Norris was ahead of Verstappen at the entrance, the apex and towards the exit of the corner when he was forced off the track.

“The Stewards are of the opinion that the maneuver was carried out in a safe and controlled manner and that Norris could have completed the maneuver on track if he had not been forced off the track by Verstappen.

“Norris cut the corner, but immediately gave the position he gained back to Sainz. The fine is the standard punishment in such cases.”

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And as for what happened in Turn 8: “The Stewards reviewed video footage, CCTV and in-car video evidence.

“After the incident in Turn 4, Verstappen tried to pass Norris on the inside in Turn 8. Verstappen was in front at the apex of Turn 8 and would have been entitled to racing space. However, he was unable to complete the on-track maneuver, left the track and maintained the lasting advantage by gaining the position, incidentally forcing Norris off the track.

“The penalty is the standard penalty for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage.”

Next up is the Brazilian Grand Prix, a race that Verstappen has won twice in his career, including last season when he won by 8.2 seconds from number two Norris.

Read the following: Max Verstappen ‘not my problem’ verdict after FIA hands out 20-second penalty