Why some F1 drivers sided against Lando Norris in Max Verstappen debate at Mexico City Grand Prix briefing

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Formula 1 drivers debated the recent incident involving Lando Norris and Max Verstappen in their briefing at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Predictably, it was a divisive issue.

On lap 52 of the US GP, Norris tried to pass Verstappen around the outside at turn 12. Both drivers went off the track, but the McLaren man passed him nonetheless.

The stewards handed him a five-second penalty for gaining a lasting advantage. That saw him drop to fourth behind Verstappen at the chequered flag.

However, McLaren feel Verstappen is ‘gaming’ the rules. Their suspicion is that he released the brake to reach the apex first, claiming the corner but doing so in an uncontrolled manner.

The drivers’ briefing in Mexico ran unusually long amid discussions over whether the penalty was fair. There was also a conversation about whether the existing rules of engagement need to be changed.

Many of Verstappen’s rivals thought he deserved a penalty after the 2021 Brazilian GP, when he was involved in a similar episode with Lewis Hamilton. But some of them came to his defence on Friday.

F1 drivers speak up in defence of Max Verstappen at Mexican Grand Prix

According to Motorsport.com, some drivers sided ‘strongly’ with Norris. They agreed with what he said immediately after the race.

The Englishman felt he was clearly ahead by the time the two drivers applied the brakes at the end of the DRS straight. In his eyes, that made Verstappen the overtaking car.

However, others pushed back on the criticism of the reigning world champion. They deemed his tactics ‘hard but fair’.

It may be in the interest of F1’s more aggressive drivers to speak up on Verstappen’s behalf. McLaren are pushing for a rules rewrite that could outlaw some controversial methods.

F1 steward has struggled with Lando Norris penalty backlash

Zak Brown wants F1 to restore an old-school approach of allowing drivers to ‘settle differences’ on track rather than overregulating the sport. But Martin Brundle has reservations, pointing out that drivers in the 1980s had to police themselves amid fears of serious accidents.

McLaren had a chance to instruct Norris to return the place. But those on the pitwall felt he’d done nothing wrong.

Derek Warwick and the rest of the stewards disagreed. They may now be questioning their verdict after a week-long backlash.

The reaction to Norris’ penalty has affected Warwick, one journalist has heard. Lewis Hamilton has advocated a permanent stewards’ panel in the hope of greater consistency.