The race to the Drivers Cup is on, raging with intensity. The top two of the lot, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, are sitting 57-point apart, with the Dutchman leading the charts. The McLaren racer has consistently troubled the RBR triple racer since the Miami GP. Doubled with McLaren’s ambitious upgrades, Norris has been unstoppable. Nevertheless, Verstappen’s commanding performance in the initial races allowed him to maintain a significant lead.
However, this on-track rivalry is now taking a new shape after the Austin GP face-off. During The COTA race, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris were in an intense fight for the third spot. The Briton was in touching distance, especially with fresh tires. Thus, to defend his lead, Verstappen went off the track to stop Norris from making a move. Surprisingly, the Papaya squad racer followed Verstappen beyond the white line and returned to teh track ahead of the world champion. However, the Dutchman instantly appealed to race stewards, and Norris was given a five-second penalty. This incident has continued to trend, leading to a significant backlash against Verstappen. In addressing the situation, he links this hatred with his nationality.
“It’s Been Like That Forever,” Verstappen Defends Himself Against Critics After An Ugly Face-Off With Norris
McLaren management was visibly unhappy with the race steward’s decision. They believed that Verstappen was responsible for dragging Norris into the dirt and felt he deserved a penalty. Several F1 pundits backed the Woking squad, claiming it was Verstappen’s fault. However, Verstappen has replied to all the criticisms, claiming his passport is the root of all the hatred.
Talking to Viaplay, Verstappen explained he didn’t expect Norris to fall behind him as he was way faster. Further, Verstappen’s RB20 had no grip as it was running on old tires, but he managed to finish ahead of the Briton. He clinched the last spot on the podium due to the penalty. Consequently, the RBR starlet asserted he had no reason to complain. In a jab at McLaren, Verstappen remarked that he hails from the wrong country to complain.
When the idea of changing the rules was presented to him, the Dutchman was aghast at such peculiar demands. He stated that the rule is very clear, and no one can overtake outside the white line. Therefore, he finds the screams for change irrational, as the regulation has been like this for ages. Ultimately, Verstappen clarified that he does not create rules; he merely adheres to them.
“I think Max is probably the best,” Lando Norris Talks About Closing Performance Gap With Max Verstappen
Amid all the chaos, Lando Norris, Verstappen’s on-track rival and off-track best friend, has praised his racing skills. The Briton understands there is still a gap between the top two racers of the season, as Verstappen has been flawless in crunch situations.
Norris praised Verstappen’s attack and defense mechanisms, referring to him as the best racer of this era. However, he also highlighted the need to be at the highest level to defeat someone like Max. Moreover, the young racer is working hard to improve his racing skills.