The United States Grand Prix is over, and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc emerged victorious, followed by his teammate Carlos Sainz. The expectations were mainly between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, the title contenders this year. But between all the tussles and controversies, Ferrari made good use of their time and won the US GP nicely and cleanly.
In the race, there was a controversial call given by the FIA after McLaren’s Lando Norris and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen raced head-to-head for the lead. Lando Norris overtook Max Verstappen outside the line and the Stewards gave him the 5-second penalty which cost him a podium finish. Max Verstappen finished third over Lando and he extended his championship lead. Many fans slammed the FIA for being biased towards Red Bull as both the drivers went off the track and Lando Came back in front. But Instead of letting Verstappen to the front Lando kept his position till the end of the race which brought him a 5-second penalty.
'They complain a lot' - Verstappen
Here's how Max saw his wheel-to-wheel battle with Lando 💬#F1 #USGP pic.twitter.com/NK56JRPo4v
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 21, 2024
Max Verstappen was asked about the controversial call and he replied “No, I don't. I mean, they have complained about a lot recently. It's very clear in the rules, outside the white line you cannot pass. I have been done for it as well in the past - I think in 2017, or whatever it was, so I lost my podium like that.
So I just remained calm, trying to do the best I could after that to bring the car to the end. It was not easy with the tyres and situation that I was in. But Overall, I still really enjoyed that battle that we had.” Previously McLaren raised the issue regarding the height adjustable Bib by Red Bull before the US Grand Prix and FIA investigated the matter and gave clearance to Red Bull.
"Through goes the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc!"
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 20, 2024
Watch all the key action from a star-spangled race in Austin 🤩#F1 #USGP
At the start of the race Lando Norris and Max Verstappen went outside very wide at the first corner which gave Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc a great opportunity to lead the race and he made good use of it. Verstappen also feels he had balance issues in his car so he raced on his own as the Ferrari’s were faster than him.