By Michael Madyira
Ferrari celebrated a one-two finish, with Charles Leclerc winning the United States Grand Prix ahead of teammate Carlos Sainz in Austin, Texas, on Sunday.
However, the race’s spotlight was on the battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.
Norris finished third but was dropped to fourth after receiving a five-second penalty for going off track, which allowed Verstappen to claim the last spot on the podium.
The tension between title rivals Verstappen and Norris saw two incidents at the start and end of the race.
Norris, who started on pole, accused Verstappen of forcing him off the track, but the race stewards didn’t think it was necessary to investigate. This allowed Leclerc to take the lead, which he held until the finish.
Later in the race, Verstappen complained that Norris had gone off track. This led to Norris’s penalty, which cost him his third-place finish.
“I still think we were third, considering Max went off the track. Normally, if you defend your position and you go off the track, you have to give the position up,” Norris said after the race.
“In that case, I was ahead, I kept my position because he needed to give it back, and that’s the way it is.”
Leclerc drove a perfect race, taking full advantage of the Verstappen-Norris drama to secure his victory. Despite finishing third, Verstappen extended his lead in the championship to 57 points.
With five races left and 146 points still to be won, the battle continues. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri came fifth, and George Russell of Mercedes finished sixth.
Pictured above: Charles Leclerc celebrates winning the United States GP.
Source: Formula 1
