Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has weighed in on Max Verstappen’s penalties in the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Toto Wolff believes Max Verstappen’s aggressive on-track behaviour was “legitimised” when he failed to receive any penalties in 2021.
Verstappen’s on-track conduct is in the spotlight after the Mexico City Grand Prix in which he received two separate 10-second time penalties and two penalty points for incidents with title rival Lando Norris.
On lap 10, Norris attempted a pass around the outside of the Red Bull on the brakes into Turn 4, but was forced wide by Verstappen, despite having most of the McLaren alongside – and according to F1’s overtaking guidelines, should have been afforded racing room.
Moments later, at Turn 7, Verstappen lunged Norris off the track and passed beyond the white lines. For each incident, he earned a 10-second sanction and two penalty points were added to his superlicence for the Turn 4 move.
Verstappen’s judgement has been called into question in wheel-to-wheel combat, given the controversial 2021 moves he made against Lewis Hamilton.
Whilst he was penalised in Saudi Arabia, Verstappen’s lunge against Hamilton at Turn 4 in Brazil forced both drivers off track, but Verstappen did not receive a penalty.
It is this lack of action Wolff feels enforced the aggressive behaviour of the three-time F1 champion.
“I think back in the day, certain stewards had their opinions, and because it wasn’t penalised, it basically legitimised it,” Wolff told media including RacingNews365 when asked about the 2021 season.
“It was fair enough to any driver who drives within the regs and utilises all the margins that are given to him by a steward.
“Braking late and dragging the other car off the track whilst driving off track is not on anymore, that is not allowed, and I think it is good for racing.”
