Norris BAFFLED by Verstappen tactics in FIA penalty row

McLaren star Lando Norris has revealed his thoughts behind the controversial battle he endured with Max Verstappen at the United States Grand Prix.

After losing his pole position advantage at the first corner to not only Verstappen but also both the scarlet Ferraris, Norris had his work cut out should he want to add another career podium to his tally, let alone a victory.

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After 51 laps of fighting to earn back positions following a one-stop strategy, Norris found himself battling his championship rival for third place in the final stages of the race.

The Brit attempted an overtake on Verstappen on lap 52, but went off-track in order to complete the move, causing Verstappen to call for Norris to hand the position back.

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Norris defends Verstappen overtake at US GP

In a grand prix that had been littered with FIA penalties for similar incidents, many felt McLaren would surely instruct Norris to hand back the position, yet no such order was given.

The 24-year-old instead continued on, hoping to get far enough ahead of Verstappen to offset an expected time penalty. The Brit could only pull out a four-second gap, however, and was slammed with a five-second penalty in the closing stages of the race, handing Verstappen a podium.

The decision in the closing stages of the race at COTA means that Verstappen has now extended his lead over Norris in the drivers' championship to 57 points.

Norris spoke to Sky Sports F1 after the race, where Verstappen's defensive tactics and the resulting penalty decision were fiercely debated. "He's overtaken by going off track, so I don't know what I'm meant to do," Norris said.

"He defends by going off track, he overtakes by going off track.

"So, if he goes off the track, clearly he's gone in way too hard and also gained an advantage by doing what he did. But I don't make the rules.

"I'm not going to complain about it," Norris added.

"I think Max drove well, he defended well and we had a good race together, but the rules are the rules."

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