Max Verstappen: “In Mexico, I gained points by breaking a rule; not everyone has the mindset to do it”. Max Verstappen explains his actions in the Mexican Grand Prix.

It was all calculated
“I hadn’t seen a move like that since Interlagos 2021,” said George Russell, commenting on Max Verstappen’s inside move in Mexico against Lando Norris at the entrance to the technical section of the circuit named after the Rodriguez brothers. The Dutchman had just been overtaken by Lando Norris at the second chicane, which the McLaren driver cut after being forced off the track by the Red Bull driver, who attempted to regain the position in his own way. The maneuver did not go unnoticed, as George Russell highlighted, and it led to the redefinition of engagement rules for driver duels starting with the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Both the chicane incident and the overtaking attempt completed beyond track limits cost Max Verstappen two 10-second penalties, totaling 20 seconds, served during his pit stop. The Red Bull driver finished the GP in sixth place, losing 10 points to Lando Norris, who crossed the line second behind Carlos Sainz. However, even immediately after the race, Max Verstappen believed he had actually gained points on the Brit by preventing the McLaren driver from winning the Mexican GP due to the time lost in the first stint battling the future four-time world champion.

Even upon reflection, Max Verstappen confirmed that the battle with Lando Norris and the penalties he received were calculated risks: “Sometimes, to get the most out of every situation when a world championship title is at stake, you have to be willing to push a limit or break a rule, and that’s what I did and will always do,” Max Verstappen told ViaPlay. “Not everyone has this mindset, and not everyone understands it. Do I regret what I did in the race in Mexico? Not at all. I gained points.” – the Red Bull driver concluded.