Verstappen slams British media bias amid controversy over US Grand Prix incident whilst Norris and McLaren appeal their 5-second penalty – Max Verstappen let out a few sighs during media appearances in Mexico, showing his frustration at the persistent questions surrounding his clash with Lando Norris during last week’s United States Grand Prix.
Verstappen, who is no stranger to intense scrutiny, feels the British media have consistently portrayed him in a negative light, especially when he’s racing against fellow Briton Norris.
“I’ve got the wrong passport in that respect,” he remarked, insisting that he believes the British media are unfairly biased in favour of their own driver.
The fallout from the American GP continues to be the talk of the F1 paddock, with McLaren officially appealing the five-second penalty that cost Norris third place.
The controversial decision by the stewards has polarised fans and drivers alike, and fuelled a wider debate about the strictness and interpretation of the rules. Norris, frustrated by the decision, believes it was Verstappen who should have been penalised, insisting: “I was a car length ahead and no longer the attacking party; it was Max trying to overtake.
Brown demands “consequences” for RBR: “In the past you were disqualified”
Paddock divided
Norris’ frustration echoes the sentiments of several drivers who have expressed concern about the consistency of the decisions made by the stewards. McLaren’s appeal, which focuses on this perceived inconsistency, is based on the premise that Norris’ actions did not merit a penalty in the circumstances.
However, not all drivers share this view. Charles Leclerc, winner of the main event in Austin, made it clear that he didn’t see a problem with Verstappen’s driving style and praised the Dutchman’s competitive approach, saying it was one of the reasons he “likes racing Max so much”.
Verstappen, for his part, echoed that sentiment, insisting that he had only done his best to defend his position and that he felt the penalty was a consequence of over-regulation in the sport.
Verstappen: “The sport is over-regulated”
Reflecting on the incident and the wider issue of regulatory stringency, Verstappen commented that Formula One has reached a point where the rules are excessive.
“I think we have reached the point where you need a book with all the rules in the car,” he said, referring to the sport’s ever-expanding regulatory framework. According to Verstappen, while some rules are necessary, F1 is in danger of stifling its own competitiveness and unpredictability with too many restrictions.
The Dutchman believes the rules should be clearer and less open to interpretation, arguing that every incident leads to calls for more regulation, creating a vicious circle.
“On the one hand, I understand the need for rules,” said Verstappen.
“But when rules are scrapped and a new incident happens, people say: we need more rules. It’s always the same.”
Hamilton refusing to run Mercedes upgrades
Verstappen vs the British media:
An ongoing tensionThis latest incident has added to Verstappen’s ongoing grievances with the British press, who he feels often cast him as the antagonist when he competes against British drivers.
Adrian Newey, Red Bull’s respected designer, has previously acknowledged a similar sentiment, admitting that the British media tends to support their home drivers.
Verstappen, however, is unperturbed by this bias.
“I’ve got the wrong passport,” he reiterated, but added that he’s proud of his nationality. His comment highlighted the unique challenges faced by non-British drivers when the media spotlight turns to controversial incidents.
McLaren team order to Piastri not broadcast
A message to George Russell
The reigning champion also took the opportunity in Mexico to respond to recent comments made by George Russell, who suggested that Verstappen might be pushing harder against Norris, his main rival for the title.
Verstappen disagreed with the notion, insisting that his competitive edge is not applied selectively based on opponents.
“When you are fighting for the title, you have to be at the top of your game in every race,” he said, advising Russell to focus more on his own progress and not overthink the actions of his rivals.
“Enjoy your life, don’t think too much about racing all the time,” Verstappen advised, claiming that his mindset is always focused on getting the maximum result every weekend.
Marko finally backs Tsunoda for RBR 2025 drive
McLaren’s appeal and the wider implications for F1
Meanwhile, McLaren’s upcoming appeal will attempt to shift the conversation away from media-driven narratives and towards a hard look at the regulations themselves. In their video hearing with the stewards at the Mexico City Grand Prix, McLaren intend to present new evidence that they believe justifies a re-evaluation of the penalty handed to Norris.
The British team have argued that the existing decision reflects an inconsistent application of the rules, and have called on the sport’s governing body to review its criteria for handing out such penalties.
The controversy has reignited a wider debate in the Formula One community about the role of race control and whether the current rules leave enough room for competitive racing.
If McLaren’s appeal is successful, it would mark a significant turning point, not only affecting Norris’ championship points tally, but potentially changing the way similar incidents are judged in the future.
Stella makes a serious accusation
Season on the brink: Verstappen and Norris continue battle
As Verstappen and Norris prepare for the upcoming Mexico City Grand Prix, the contentious nature of their rivalry is sure to keep fans and pundits on their toes. With Norris trailing Verstappen by 57 points in the standings, every point counts and every penalty has a huge impact on the title race.
The high-stakes nature of the championship has heightened every decision, every manoeuvre and every steward’s call, making this season one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.
Whether the appeal succeeds or not, the incident has underlined the intensity of Formula One racing at the highest level and the complexities of governing a sport where high-speed decisions are often made by the slimmest of margins. As the season progresses, the rivalry between Verstappen and Norris is set to intensify, potentially redefining what it means to compete under F1’s ever-evolving rulebook.
READ MORE – F1 star’s start-up faces financial crisis
MORE F1 NEWS – Marko confirms Perez exit
In the world of Formula One, little stands still which is evidenced perfectly by the in season development of the cars which often adds a second or more of lap time across twenty four rounds of competition. One thing however is certain in that drivers are consistently monitored by their performance against their team mates who are in effect driving through same car.
Sergio Perez has been the talk of the paddock for the best part of two seasons in part for this very reason. Last year’s summer slump from the Mexican threatened to derail Red Bull’s first 1-2 in the drivers championship but in the end Checo pulled through and bought himself another year alongside Max.
However, this year has been an utter nightmare for Sergio who has finished behind his team mate in all nineteen Grand Prix weekends bar Australia where Verstappen was forced to retire due to technical failure…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
Mclaren need to accept responsibility for the Max/Lando situation and move on. They should have told Norris to give the place back and overtake Verstappen elsewhere 🙄 Maybe Brown would be better employed reading the rule book, instead of unsettling his own drivers with all this crap. And is it just me, or is Mclarens reluctance to make Norris No1 driver because Piastri will be No1 next year? And deservedly so, if it happens.
Max Verstappen new exactly what he was doing by pushing Norris off the track it was a win win max should have a five second penalty for pushing Norris off the track enyone who thinks differently doesn’t know anything about motor racing he has done the same thing all his career
Max is tight for once he has the wrong passport he is Belgian not dutch the sooner he realise this his world will fall apart