Although Max Verstappen did not convert his front row start into a win during the United States Grand Prix, he did outscore title rival Lando Norris.
The pair were embroiled in controversy at the end of the race when Max Verstappen appeared to force Lando Norris off track after the McLaren driver piled pressure on him following a late pit stop.
The tyre offset gave Norris a significant pace advantage over the Red Bull and enabled him to close on Verstappen, who was struggling on the hards after Red Bull encountered a ‘sudden’ problem.
For Norris it was a chance to redeem himself after losing out on a chance to lead from pole at the first corner, when Verstappen made an aggressive move up the inside on the Briton.
Discussing the move on the Formula for Success podcast, David Coulthard said Verstappen’s move was similar to what he expected from Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.
Max Verstappen mimicked Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher with Turn 1 move
Verstappen’s start was not as good as Norris’ off the line, but the Red Bull driver managed to sweep to the inside line as they drove up the hill and find a gap.
It was the third time Verstappen had bullied his way past Norris at the start of a race and a move that, according to Coulthard, resembled the ruthlessness shown by other World Champions.
“It all started with what was a fairly poor defence of Turn 1 from Lando, because you give Max a car’s width. What’s he going to do? He’s going to stick his car in there,” said Coulthard.
“It’s the same that Senna would do, it’s the same that Schumacher would do, and all of the other greats.”

Lando Norris loses out in drag race from pole to Turn 1 again
Norris has amassed seven career pole positions but has only managed to lead the opening lap during one of those, the Singapore GP.
At Spain, Netherlands, and Austin he lost the lead to Verstappen at the first corner, while his teammate Oscar Piastri stole the lead off him at Hungary and Monza.
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It has become an alarming statistic for Norris this season along with the amount of points that he has dropped to Verstappen through losing track position.
This is arguably the latest blow in what is becoming an intense title battle between the pair this season, with Norris losing out on a further three points due to his late penalty battling for the final podium with the Dutchman.
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