WATCH: Lando Norris' controversial overtake on Max Verstappen during Austin GP triggers massive outrage in F1 paddock

In a high-octane battle at the Circuit of the Americas, McLaren’s Lando Norris found himself embroiled in controversy after a contentious overtake on Max Verstappen during Lap 52. The duel between the two rivals was fierce, with Norris seizing his opportunity to overtake the reigning world champion heading into Turn 12. However, the overtake came under immediate scrutiny.

Norris, while making the daring move, wasn’t fully ahead of Max Verstappen at the apex of the corner and ended up going wide. This resulted in the Briton receiving a five-second penalty, which ultimately cost him crucial points as he finished behind Verstappen in the final standings. The penalty pushed Norris further down the rankings, losing three points to his championship rival as a result.

Here is the video:

Lando Norris overtakes Max Verstappen on lap 53, but may have to give back the position!#F1 #Formula1 #USGP pic.twitter.com/lQAO5ReC3Y

— Extreme Cars (@extremecars__) October 20, 2024

‘I don’t make rules’ - Lando Norris speaks against FIA

To add to his troubles, Norris is also under investigation for breaching track limits. It’s reported that he left the track on four separate occasions during the race, which could potentially lead to another five-second penalty. The incident echoed a similar situation from the Austrian Grand Prix, where Norris had also struggled to pass Verstappen cleanly without breaching the track limits.

Unlike in Austria, where Norris had returned the position after leaving the track, this time he held onto it, opting to take the penalty. The decision proved costly, sparking debates about whether Norris' aggressive strategy was worth the risk.

While speaking about the incident after the race Lando Norris said, “I tried, he also went off the 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 so…”