Lando Norris found himself at the centre of a contentious decision during the 2024 United States Grand Prix, receiving a five-second penalty for overtaking Max Verstappen off the track.
The penalty ultimately cost him a podium finish, dropping him from third to fourth place and allowing Verstappen to extend his championship lead. Here’s a closer look at the incident and the aftermath from the Circuit of the Americas.
The stage was set for a dramatic showdown between Norris and Verstappen, who started side by side on the front row. Verstappen made a decisive move at Turn 1, diving down the inside of Norris and snatching third place. With a longer first stint and fresher tyres, Norris began hunting down the Red Bull driver in the closing stages of the race.
For over 10 laps, the two drivers engaged in a thrilling contest, with Norris closing the gap using DRS. The key moment arrived on Lap 52 at Turn 12 when Norris, attempting a bold pass, overtook Verstappen but ran off track in the process. Both cars exceeded track limits, but Norris completed the move ahead of his rival.
However, the stewards soon issued a penalty, citing that Norris had gained an unfair advantage by leaving the track. The five-second penalty meant that Norris, who crossed the line 4.1 seconds ahead of Verstappen, was relegated to fourth in the final classification.
Verstappen, therefore, secured the final podium spot and increased his championship lead to 57 points.
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The Stewards’ Justification and Reaction
After the race, the stewards provided their reasoning for the penalty. They concluded that Norris was not “level” with Verstappen at the apex of the corner, meaning that under the driving regulations, Norris had lost the right to the corner.
By leaving the track and re-entering ahead of Verstappen, Norris was deemed to have gained a lasting advantage, warranting the penalty.
“The Stewards reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video and in-car video evidence,” a statement released by the FIA read.
“Car 4 was overtaking Car 1 on the outside, but was not level with Car 1 at the apex. Therefore under the Driving Standards Guidelines, Car 4 had lost the “right” to the corner. Accordingly as Car 4 left the track and returned in front of Car 1, it is deemed to be a case of leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage.
“A 5 second penalty is imposed instead of the 10 second penalty recommended in the guidelines because having committed to the overtaking move on the outside the driver of Car 4 had little alternative other than to leave the track because of the proximity of Car 1 which had also left the track.
“In view of the above, we determine that this will not count as a track limit “strike” for Car 4.”
Norris was frustrated by the decision, telling Sky Sports F1: “I tried. He went off the track too… but I don’t make the rules.”
Verstappen, having experienced a similar penalty in 2017, was pragmatic: “The rule is clear – you can’t overtake outside the white line. It’s frustrating, but that’s how it is.”
Could the Situation Have Been Avoided?
Some suggested that Norris could have avoided the penalty by immediately returning the position to Verstappen after the overtake.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner commented that, in hindsight, McLaren should have advised Norris to relinquish the place and attempt the move again later. Given Norris’ superior pace, this might have been a safer option to ensure a clean pass.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella expressed disappointment with the ruling, arguing that both drivers had left the track and gained an advantage.
“The penalty interfered with, what was, a brilliant battle,” Stella remarked to Sky Sports F1, though he conceded that the decision was final and the team would move on.
Former F1 driver Jenson Button noted that while both cars went off track, Verstappen was ahead at the apex, which likely influenced the stewards’ decision.
“Both cars went off the circuit and it’s frustrating for us watching. Lando went off the track but so did Max, so it’s about who was ahead at the apex,” Button said on Sky Sports F1 when in conversation with Christian Horner.
“Max was in front but was that because he let off the brake at the apex or he ran them both off track? It seems your driver [Verstappen] is very good at understanding the regulations.”
Brundle suggested that Norris might have been better off giving the position back immediately to avoid the risk of a penalty.
Moving Forward
This penalty leaves Norris trailing Verstappen by 57 points with only five races remaining. Although Norris has shown remarkable speed and skill this season, this latest setback has made his title bid even more challenging.
The McLaren team will now look to regroup and focus on maximising their performance in the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix, where Norris will hope to regain momentum in the championship battle.
