The rivalry between McLaren and Red Bull shows no signs of losing intensity. In Mexico, there was yet another on-track battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, but the controversy continued post-race, with Christian Horner waving the English driver’s telemetry in front of the media.
The focus was on the McLaren driver’s attack on Max Verstappen in turn 4, which ultimately led to one of the two 10-second penalties for the reigning world champion.
According to the data, Lando Norris entered that turn with a speed 15 km/h higher than his fastest lap in the race. The Red Bull Team Principal, while also questioning Sergio Perez, explained that the McLaren driver would never have managed to make that corner, especially considering the extra weight due to fuel.
Christian Horner’s accusation
“I believe it was a harsh decision to impose two 10-second penalties,” Christian Horner told the media after the race – “In that lap, Norris was 15 km/h faster and braked even later than in his fastest lap of the race. He also had 80 kg more fuel onboard. He wouldn’t have made the corner; he would have gone off-track. This is clearly visible from the onboard camera.” – the Austrian pointed out at the end of the Mexican Grand Prix
“Overtaking on the outside should remain a brave maneuver,” continued the Red Bull Team Principal. “We risk overturning the overtaking rules. Drivers now only try to be ahead at the apex to demand space on exit. Norris released the brakes, entering late, just to try to be ahead at the apex and claim priority. In every indoor karting track worldwide, if you’re on the inside, you control the corner. It’s part of racing physics. We need to get back to basics: if you’re on the outside, you don’t have priority,” Christian Horner concluded. “The Stewards need to decide something reasonable with the drivers. What we’re witnessing isn’t that.”
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