
In the United States Grand Prix, Leclerc and Sainz reinforced the strong performances they had already shown in the sprint, dominating the main race. Leclerc took advantage of the battle at the first corner between Verstappen and Norris, managing to take the lead and hold it until the checkered flag. Sainz followed with an excellent strategy that allowed him to pass Verstappen during the pit stops and finish in second place. Verstappen finished third, without incurring penalties or investigations, while Norris, who had been predicted to struggle to keep up with the Ferraris, finished fourth due to a penalty for repeatedly exceeding track limits.
The race in Austin saw a new showdown between Verstappen and Norris, this time without physical contact but not without controversy. Norris was penalized five seconds for overtaking Verstappen using the outside runoff area (after accumulating other warnings for track limits earlier in the race, it should be noted). Many criticized this decision, arguing that Norris had no other choice: Verstappen, by braking late and going wide, forced Norris off the track to avoid contact.
The footage seems to confirm that Norris was ahead at the time of braking, but Verstappen, by fully releasing the brakes, forced the British driver to deviate. Under these conditions, Norris had no option but to widen his trajectory or risk hitting Verstappen. This defensive strategy made overtaking nearly impossible for anyone unwilling to risk a collision, and the same scenario happened with Russell, who received a similar penalty.
The Austin circuit, in many areas, makes it difficult for drivers on the outside to defend their position, leaving little room for maneuver. The argument about who is "ahead at the apex of the corner" becomes almost irrelevant when the driver on the inside pushes wide, as the driver on the outside has few alternatives to avoid contact.
In conclusion, many believe Verstappen deserved a penalty for his behavior during the race, but once again, he managed to avoid it. Similar situations in the past have sparked the usual controversies, like last year's incident with Leclerc at the first corner, while this time, Norris was labeled as naïve. Once again, consistency and the ability to analyze situations seem to be in short supply among those covering the sport.
© Simone Marchetti