In a dramatic turn of events at the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix, the FIA issued a 20-second time penalty to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for two contentious incidents involving his rival, McLaren’s Lando Norris. The penalties stemmed from aggressive on-track battles between the drivers, which led to multiple infractions by Verstappen.
Breakdown of the Incidents and Penalties
The first incident occurred on lap eight at Turn 4. Norris, attempting an outside pass, found himself edged off the track by Verstappen. The FIA noted that Norris had a slight advantage at the entry, apex, and exit of the turn and would have maintained his position had he not been forced off. The stewards stated this action breached rules against pushing competitors off-track, and they imposed a 10-second penalty, the standard penalty for such an infraction.
Shortly after, at Turn 8, Verstappen made a move to pass Norris on the inside but veered off the track, gaining an advantage in the process. This maneuver again forced Norris off-track, giving Verstappen a lasting advantage that, per FIA guidelines, warranted an additional 10-second penalty. Collectively, these two penalties added up to 20 seconds, a substantial impact that pushed Verstappen from fourth to sixth place.
FIA’s Rationale and Response
The FIA provided documentation detailing their decision-making process. In both incidents, Verstappen’s actions were deemed unsafe and inconsistent with racing regulations.
The FIA explained the penalties as standard responses to forcing a driver off-track and gaining positions outside the track limits.
These penalties sparked considerable debate, especially as Verstappen holds a significant lead in the drivers’ championship. The incidents have now narrowed the points gap between Verstappen and Norris, who continues to challenge for the title
This penalty demonstrates the FIA’s commitment to maintaining safe and fair racing standards, even when it affects high-stakes drivers. The penalties reflect a broader trend in recent seasons, where FIA stewards have sought to ensure driver actions align with defined guidelines and a level playing field for all competitors.
