The United States Grand Prix happens at the Circuit of the Americas. A popular track that F1 has used since 2012. However, the track is notorious for drivers exceeding track limits. Max Verstappen was one of the many drivers that exceeded track limits during yesterday’s race. Track limits are the white lines that a driver must not drive all four wheels over and they are important for the safety of all drivers on the track.
After last year’s race, some drivers acknowledged how hard it was for the FIA to catch every track limit violation but that they needed to work out a plan to improve it. This year, the organizers made slight changes. Despite adding the gravel trap and more cameras, not all drivers were treated equally regarding their track limit discrepancies.
Max Verstappen escapes investigation at Austin
Max Verstappen started on the front row of the grid in P2. He was right behind Lando Norris, who is notorious for losing the lead on the first lap. At turn 1, both drivers went wide off the track allowing Charles Leclerc to gain three positions. This was not the only turn both Verstappen and Norris would battle it out while violating track limits.
Off the line with Max and Lando from the front row… but through goes Charles Leclerc 😮#F1 #USGP pic.twitter.com/JTKUF6liQx
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 21, 2024
While Verstappen escaped the investigation, other drivers did not. During the race penalties were handed out to multiple drivers for doing the same things. Yuki Tsunoda received a 5-second penalty for forcing Alex Albon off the track. George Russell faced the same. A 5-second penalty to Verstappen would have kept him behind Norris AND Oscar Piastri.
FIA explains why Lando Norris received a penalty over Verstappen
Near the end of the race, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris were going wheel to wheel. On lap 52, Norris finally managed to overtake Verstappen. Unfortunately, during the overtake, both drivers went off the track. The FIA has deemed that when Norris went off the track, he gained an advantage.
🚨 | 5-second time penalty for Lando Norris for leaving the track and gaining an advantage #F1 #USGP
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) October 20, 2024
The FIA has released an explanation for why Norris received a penalty but Verstappen did not. They said that Norris was “not level with car 1 at the apex” and that “under the Driving Standards Guideline Car 4 lost the right to the corner”. This penalty is being called out for controversy because, on lap 1 and lap 52, both drivers went off the track but only Norris received a penalty.
It is worth noting that Pierre Gasly also received a time penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.
Do you think McLaren should have told Norris to immediately give the position back? Do you agree with the FIA’s decision?
