The title battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris erupted in controversy at the United States Grand Prix after the McLaren driver was penalised for passing his rival for third place off the track.
The race was dominated by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who took the lead on the first lap after Norris and Verstappen ran wide at the first corner of the race.
Leclerc was imperious in leading Carlos Sainz to a Ferrari one-two once he had moved into first place, but the drama was all behind him in Austin.
Norris finished third after passing Verstappen around the outside at Turn 12 with four laps to go, only to run off the track on the exit of the corner.
Norris chose not to give the place back, while Verstappen complained he had to, and the stewards agreed with the Dutchman.
They handed Norris a five-second penalty and as he had pulled out only a 4.1-second lead once in front, he was dropped back to fourth place, one behind the Red Bull driver, in the results.
Verstappen has therefore extended his drivers’ championship lead to 57 points with five races to go and 146 points still available.
