Norris Calls Out Verstappen’s “Dangerous” Moves as Sainz Takes Commanding Win in Mexico City GP

The Mexico City Grand Prix turned intense on Sunday as Lando Norris openly criticized Max Verstappen’s aggressive tactics, calling his rival’s driving “dangerous” after two penalties for forcing Norris off track. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz took the race win, with Norris finishing second and Charles Leclerc securing third for Ferrari.

The on-track conflict began early, with Verstappen and Norris battling for position. Verstappen received two separate 10-second penalties after twice pushing Norris off the circuit. Norris voiced frustration, saying, “Today was not fair, clean racing. He got what he had coming to him.” The British driver explained that with Verstappen’s comfortable lead in the championship, the Dutchman appeared to feel emboldened to take risks, leaving Norris to evade potential collisions.

Verstappen defended his actions, admitting he felt pressured to push harder due to Red Bull’s lack of pace in Mexico. “When you’re slower, you end up in these situations. I’m not going to give up easily,” he commented, noting that, in his view, the bigger issue was Red Bull’s race pace rather than the penalties themselves. McLaren CEO Zak Brown praised the FIA’s ruling, stating that the penalties set a positive example for fair racing, but added, “Honestly, it probably wasn’t enough.”

Sainz’s race to victory marked his third win in the last five events, strengthening Ferrari’s position in the Constructors’ Championship. Sainz recovered from an early lead loss to Verstappen, reclaiming the top spot after a first-lap collision brought out the safety car. Once racing resumed, Sainz surged ahead, with teammate Leclerc briefly trailing before slipping behind Norris late in the race.

Elsewhere, Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell battled closely for fourth and fifth, trading positions multiple times in a spirited fight. Verstappen ultimately finished sixth with a lonely remainder of the race, while McLaren’s Oscar Piastri made an impressive climb to eighth from 17th on the grid.

The contentious moments have reignited calls for clearer regulations on racing conduct, which the FIA is expected to address at the Qatar Grand Prix. As Norris and Verstappen’s championship rivalry heats up, the Mexico City GP leaves the racing world buzzing with anticipation for the next round in the season’s high-stakes battle.