AUSTIN — Lando Norris arrived in Austin for the System 1 United States Grand Prix as, in some ways, the focal point. Not solely does the British driver command an enormous presence all over the world because of his reputation, however his pursuit of Max Verstappen within the Drivers’ Championship — in addition to McLaren’s place atop the Constructors’ Championship — stays one of many main storylines because the 2024 F1 season attracts to an in depth.
Norris started the day in prime place to chop additional into Verstappen’s lead within the Drivers’ Championship, however his goals of inching nearer to his rival got here to an finish within the closing laps of Sunday’s Grand Prix. As the 2 had been battling over the ultimate laps, with Verstappen in P3 forward of Norris, the McLaren drivers tried to overhaul Verstappen on an outdoor line, and the 2 drifted off the observe.
Norris rejoined the racing line in third forward of Verstappen, however the matter was instantly referred to race stewards for additional investigation. Inside minutes a five-second penalty was handed all the way down to Norris, and regardless of crossing the end line forward of Verstappen, the hole was not sufficient to keep away from dropping Norris to P4.
Following the race Norris spoke to the media, together with SB Nation, and addressed the struggle with Verstappen in addition to the penalty.
“No, not likely,” started Norris when he was requested if he understood the penalty.
“It’s, it’s powerful. There’s totally different alterations of issues. It’s a tricky job to do, to steward these sort of issues,” continued Norris.
“For me, no matter I did, I did. For me, the purpose that’s incorrect is what Max did, which can also be defend his place by going off the observe and what in impact he can be holding his place, which isn’t right,” added Norris. “He went off the observe whereas defending and he’s over-defended and made a mistake and subsequently he’s gained from that.
“On the identical time due to that, I’ve needed to go off the observe.”
Norris additionally highlighted what he termed some inconsistency with how these choices have been dealt with this season.
“However, these are the foundations. They appear to alter as a result of I really feel prefer it’s fairly inconsistent from, say what occurred in Austria the place Max didn’t get a penalty and went off the observe [and] gained a bonus,” added Norris. “So I feel there’s once more inconsistency, however it’s powerful.”
Norris additionally introduced up the concept that race stewards ought to maybe wait to rule on such penalties till they’ve heard from each of the concerned drivers.
“For me, it’s only a rushed resolution they usually don’t hear or perceive our factors, which they need to do after the race, they simply wanna decide on the time,” mentioned Norris. “So that they don’t alter factors and podiums and issues like that. “However subsequently it’s a rushed resolution they usually don’t hear my level of a dialogue or my workforce’s level or Max’s level, which I don’t assume is perhaps essentially the most right factor.
“However, at present it was a penalty, and never quite a bit I can do other than simply, settle for that.”
Nonetheless, Norris praised his rival within the Drivers’ Championship, describing their struggle on the observe as a “nice battle,” and one which he loved partaking in.
“I attempted, we each tried. It was a terrific battle. I actually loved it,” added Norris. “It was powerful. Max drove very properly and defended very properly, however he ended up on high.”
The McLaren driver additionally made it clear that when racing Verstappen, you can’t be “half-hearted” in your effort.
“The factor is with Max you’ve obtained to commit, however individuals don’t perceive that sort of factor. With Max, you’ll be able to’t simply go half-hearted.
“I feel Max drove very properly. It’s very laborious to do what we’re doing.
“I respect the battle that we had. It was a superb one, it was gratifying, I feel it was respectful.
As Norris’ feedback drew to an in depth, he mirrored on the general championship image, particularly Ferrari’s front-row lockout.
“We got here in right here with our thoughts open, not anticipating to dominate or simply win or something. So, the truth that Ferrari was so fast at present confirmed they’re simply as aggressive,” added Norris. “Even when I got here round Flip 1 in first I’d have by no means have completed first or second and will solely have completed third.
“However the one automobile I have to beat is Max and that’s one automobile I didn’t beat at present.
“So it was an unsuccessful weekend, all in all. However we gave it a superb shot. I attempted. It wasn’t ok, and we’ve got work to do, and I’ve work to do on myself.”
With that, Norris was off, headed to Mexico Metropolis for subsequent weekend’s Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix.
Now trailing Verstappen by 57 factors within the Drivers’ Championship standings, and with somewhat bit extra work to do to catch him.
