Max Verstappen sends ‘kindergarten’ message to Lando Norris after US Grand Prix incident

The first two made fairly even escapes, but Verstappen detected a gap on the inside, with both cars opening up in a fairly typical incident at turn one. This allowed Charles Leclerc to take the lead from fourth place.

Norris had lost two points to Verstappen in the Sprint race and wasted the opportunity to make up at least seven points on Sunday. But he could still have made a net gain if he had overtaken the Dutchman cleanly.

Verstappen defended excellently until lap 52, when Norris came much closer on the exit of turn 11. He got ahead of the RB20 as they reached the braking zone at the end of the DRS straight.

However, neither driver backed down, with Verstappen asserting himself on the inside of the corner and Norris keeping his footing even when he left the track. The Briton would complete the move, but would then receive a five-second penalty.

Max Verstappen rejects criticism of Lando Norris tactics at US Grand Prix

Norris said over the radio that he was “ahead at the top” and highlighted that Verstappen “was also out” in defense. However, the stewards controversially ruled out that he had left the track and gained an advantage.

Addressing the incident in an interview with Canal+, Verstappen insisted ‘we are not in kindergarten’. He stated that his tactics constituted a fair race.

In addition to extending the lead to 57 points, he may have also dealt a psychological blow. Norris was unable to overtake him cleanly despite a clear pace advantage.

“I didn’t send anyone off,” said Verstappen. “We don’t touch each other. I tried to make the turn. I was totally blocked. It’s running. We’re not in kindergarten.”

Jenson Button frustrated with Max Verstappen ‘problem’ after Lando Norris penalty

Damon Hill felt Verstappen should have been penalized based on a previous incident involving George Russell. The stewards gave Russell five seconds for forcing Sauber’s Valtteri Bottas off the track.

Hill was confused as to why the Red Bull driver escaped punishment for a similar incident. Many have called for changes to F1’s racing rules after the layout of the Austin circuit exposed potential loopholes.

In fact, Jenson Button believes Verstappen has highlighted a “problem” with the regulations. In Button’s eyes, drivers are ready to let the car “fly” through a corner, as long as they are ahead at the height of wheel-to-wheel combat.

Some called for the installation of a gravel collector to disincentivize wide running. But Verstappen highlighted in the post-race press conference that this could cause problems in motorcycle racing and track days.

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