Max Verstappen ignores McLaren complaints after US podium – Irvine Times

Verstappen extended his title lead over Lando Norris to 57 points after the McLaren man was demoted to fourth – one place behind Verstappen – following a five-second penalty for overtaking his championship rival off track in the closing stages.

Norris accused the stewards of rushing their decision and said Verstappen’s aggressive move to defend his third place had left him with nowhere to go.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella added: “The defending car is going straight at the top. We checked the video multiple times. He just goes straight and off the track as Lando does, giving Lando no chance to contest the maneuver.

“How many times has Max used this way of protection? Both cars go off the track and both cars gain the advantage. If there is an advantage gained, it is at least neutral.”

In the build-up to Sunday’s race, McLaren chief executive Zac Brown said he still believed Red Bull had a case to answer over the discovery of a controversial device which allegedly allowed them to adjust the car’s settings between qualifying and the race – something that is not prohibited in the rules of the sport.

Red Bull admitted the device existed but said it was unavailable when the car was built. They agreed to make changes to their car and Formula One’s governing body, after which the FIA ​​said the case was closed.

In response to Stella’s comments, Verstappen said: “They’ve been complaining a lot lately. But that’s very clear and in the rules. If you’re outside the white line, you can’t pass and I’ve been penalized for that in the past too.”

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner praised the stewards for making what he believed was the correct judgment.

“It was crystal clear that the pass was made off the track, so Lando had to get the seat back,” Horner said.

“He chose not to, so there was a penalty and for us it was a black and white scenario. It was a slam dunk. You want the right people on the podium. The stewards dealt with it quite quickly and with dignity.

Norris called the decision a “momentum killer” in his bid for the maiden crown. The round in America was the first since July’s Belgian Grand Prix – a four-race series – where Verstappen finished ahead of Norris.

The British driver will now head into this weekend’s race in Mexico City knowing there are only 146 points still available.

Horner added: “Look, there are five races to go and with a 57-point lead, nothing is comfortable. But it’s the first time we’ve outscored Lando since Spa, so it was important for us to get off the back foot and more on the front.”