Mexico GP: Lando Norris says Max Verstappen crossed a line - ESPN

MEXICO CITY — Lando Norris said title rival Max Verstappen's driving at the Mexico City Grand Prix went beyond what was acceptable.

Norris was forced wide at Turn 4 and then had to drive off track to avoid Verstappen completely at Turn 8 as they battled for position early in the race.

Verstappen was handed two 10-second penalties for the incidents.

«I knew what to expect,» Norris said immediately after the race. «I didn't want to expect such a thing, because I respect Max a lot as a driver, but I was ready to expect something like this. This is not very clean driving in my opinion, but I avoided it and it was a good race.»

Norris finished second, while the penalties dropped Verstappen down the order, finishing sixth — Norris is now 47 points behind with four races to go.

The McLaren driver elaborated on his stance on Verstappen in the media pen after the race.

«You know, I always go into the races and expect good battles and fair battles, and of course I expect a tough battle with Max… there's just… I don't want to complain about it because this is what I love, I love going into races and knowing that we're gonna have a good battle today and he's gonna put up a good fight and all of those things.

»But things like today are just a bit too far in my opinion, and obviously in the stewards' opinion too, and I would say probably the majority of peoples opinions, and that's just not how I think many people like to go racing.

«I respect Max a lot, I want to race hard against him, but if I didn't do what I did today and avoid him I'd probably be out of the race you know. It's tough, but I played my cards well, I knew what to expect in many ways, and yeah, points for me are good at the minute and we'll just keep our heads down.»