Lando Norris felt stewards rushed decision to penalise him as US Grand Prix

Lando Norris accused Formula One’s stewards of rushing their controversial decision to penalise him in his duel with Max Verstappen – a verdict the British driver called a “momentum killer” in his bid to win a maiden world crown.

Norris arrived for the US Grand Prix 52 points behind Verstappen, but he will depart Texas 57 adrift of his rival with only 146 points available over the concluding five rounds.

Norris started from pole position at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas before dropping to fourth following a poor first corner. Charles Leclerc went on to win from Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz, while Norris spent a compelling conclusion attempting to pass Verstappen in the battle for third.

DRIVER STANDINGS (after 19/24 rounds)

Verstappen's lead increases to 57 points #F1 #USGP pic.twitter.com/wVXySFRkrX

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 20, 2024

Norris thought he had got the job done with four laps remaining when he moved ahead of Verstappen at Turn 12. However, the stewards handed him a five-second penalty on the final lap after they felt Norris gained an advantage by running off the track to complete the move, demoting him to fourth, behind Verstappen, after the chequered flag fell.

Explaining their decision, the four-man stewarding panel -which included former British driver Derek Warwick – said Norris lost the “right” to the corner because he was not level with Verstappen at the apex. However, they acknowledged that Norris had little choice other than to leave the circuit because Verstappen also ran over the white lines.

Asked if he understood the stewards’ verdict, Norris replied: “No, not really. The point where it is incorrect is what Max did, which was also to defend his position by going off the track and keeping the