Max Verstappen hit out at McLaren for complaining after Lando Morris penalty
Max Verstappen has criticized McLaren for what he perceives as excessive complaining in the wake of Lando Norris’ five-second penalty during the recent United States Grand Prix. The incident occurred as Norris attempted to overtake Verstappen into Turn 12, following a DRS straight, where both drivers went off track as Verstappen braked late. While Verstappen maintained his position, Norris gained an advantage, prompting the stewards to intervene.
The penalty was met with discontent from the McLaren camp, which has voiced concerns over race regulations and decisions in recent events. Verstappen, however, countered these complaints, suggesting that they detract from the sport’s integrity. “It feels like McLaren has been complaining a lot lately,” he remarked. “Every time something doesn’t go their way, they seem to look for excuses.”
The Dutch driver emphasized that racing incidents happen, and it’s crucial for teams to accept the stewards’ decisions without resorting to constant grievances. “Racing is tough, and sometimes things happen that are out of your control. Instead of focusing on the negatives, they should look to improve on track,” he added.
Norris, who finished fourth in the race, expressed disappointment over the penalty, believing it to be harsh. He acknowledged the competitive nature of the battle but maintained that he did not intentionally seek to gain an advantage by leaving the track.
The incident sparked discussions among fans and analysts about the consistency of race regulations, especially regarding track limits and penalties. As the season progresses, teams like McLaren must navigate these challenges while competing against formidable rivals like Red Bull, who continue to dominate the championship standings.
With the championship race heating up, the dynamics between drivers and teams will be closely monitored, as each incident could have implications for both points and relationships within the paddock.
