Lando Norris’ F1 championship hopes were dealt a hammer blow after he was handed a controversial five-second penalty to finish behind rival Max Verstappen following a compelling US Grand Prix.
As Charles Leclerc raced to an impressive win at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas, pole man Norris was only fourth – one place behind Verstappen – to leave him 57 points adrift in the title race with only 146 points to play for across the concluding five rounds. Carlos Sainz took second to complete a Ferrari one-two.
Norris spent the final dozen laps crawling all over Verstappen’s gearbox in a thrilling conclusion, and he eventually made the move stick on the 52nd lap.
However, the stewards quickly launched an investigation into the pass, and Norris was adjudged to have run off the track. Norris was penalised, and although he crossed the line in third, four seconds ahead of Verstappen, his sanction dropped him back, in what could prove a pivotal decision in his championship quest.
Follow live reaction from the United States Grand Prix with The Independent
F1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX - LATEST UPDATES
- Charles Leclerc won the US Grand Prix; Sainz 2nd; Verstappen 3rd
- Click HERE for the top-10 in Austin
- COMMENT: How Max Verstappen outfoxed Lando Norris in most riveting 10 laps of F1 season
- Norris reacted angrily to five-second penalty
- Verstappen had no sympathy for F1 title rival Norris
Driver Standings after US GP
06:00
Kieran Jackson
1. Max Verstappen - 354 points
2. Lando Norris - 297 points
3. Charles Leclerc - 275 points
4. Oscar Piastri - 247 points
5. Carlos Sainz - 215 points
6. Lewis Hamilton - 177 points
7. George Russell - 167 points
8. Sergio Perez - 150 points
9. Fernando Alonso - 62 points
10. Nico Hulkenberg - 29 points
11. Lance Stroll - 24 points
12. Yuki Tsunoda - 22 points
13. Alex Albon - 12 points
14. Daniel Ricciardo - 12 points
15. Kevin Magnussen - 8 points
16. Pierre Gasly - 8 points
17. Ollie Bearman - 7 points
18. Esteban Ocon - 5 points
19. Franco Colapinto - 5 points
20. Liam Lawson - 2 points
21. Zhou Guanyu - 0 points
22. Logan Sargeant - 0 points
23. Valtteri Bottas - 0 points
Lando Norris reacts post-race to his penalty:
Monday 21 October 2024 00:58
Kieran Jackson
“I tried, he also went off the track, if he goes off the track he goes in too hard [at turn one at the start] and gains an advantage. But I don’t make the rules.
“Max went for a tight gap. From inside the car, it’s easier and harder to say at times, Max committed quite a bit. I don’t know, I need to look back. He’s overtaken by going off track [at the start]
“He defends off track, overtakes off track. Max raced well, we had a good race - the rules are the rules.”
TOP-10 AT THE US GRAND PRIX:
Sunday 20 October 2024 21:52
Kieran Jackson
1. Charles Leclerc
2. Carlos Sainz
3. Max Verstappen
4. Lando Norris
5. Oscar Piastri
6. George Russell
7. Sergio Perez
8. Nico Hulkenberg
9. Liam Lawson
10. Franco Colapinto
RACE REPORT: Lando Norris’ F1 title bid suffers blow after penalty as Charles Leclerc wins US Grand Prix
17:30
Kieran Jackson
Lando Norris’ F1 championship hopes were dealt a hammer blow after he was handed a controversial five-second penalty to finish behind rival Max Verstappen following a compelling US Grand Prix.
As Charles Leclerc raced to an impressive win at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas, pole man Norris was only fourth – one place behind Verstappen – to leave him 57 points adrift in the title race with only 146 points to play for across the concluding five rounds.
Carlos Sainz took second to complete a Ferrari one-two.
Full piece below:
Toto Wolff slams ‘biased’ F1 stewards before cryptic interview at US Grand Prix
16:30
Kieran Jackson
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff slammed the decision-making from the FIA stewards as “biased” during the US Grand Prix on Sunday.
In an eventful race which saw numerous five-second penalties, Mercedes driver George Russell was penalised for leaving the track and gaining an advantage in a tussle with Valtteri Bottas – a decision Wolff at the time described as a “total joke.”
Full quotes below:
Constructors’ Championship after US GP
15:30
Kieran Jackson
1. McLaren - 544 points
2. Red Bull - 504 points
3. Ferrari - 496 points
4. Mercedes - 344 points
5. Aston Martin - 86 points
6. Haas - 38 points
7. RB - 36 points
8. Williams - 17 points
9. Alpine - 13 points
10. Sauber - 0 points
Martin Brundle brutally ignored by F1 rookie Franco Colapinto on grid walk in Austin
14:30
Kieran Jackson
Martin Brundle was comically ignored by Franco Colapinto at the end of his grid walk at the US Grand Prix.
Brundle interviewed the likes of Fernando Alonso, Pierre Gasly and Kevin Magnussen – as well as Olympic gold medalists Gabby Thomas and Armand Duplantis - before the Sky Sports F1 broadcaster headed to the front of the grid.
Read full story below:
COMMENT: How Max Verstappen outfoxed Lando Norris in most riveting 10 laps of F1 season
13:30
Kieran Jackson
So often a figure of joviality in the Formula One paddock, Lando Norris did not muck around at the end of the US Grand Prix. Blood no doubt boiling beneath his yellow race helmet, the McLaren driver made his way straight to the media pen and, to his credit, did not entirely lash out. Instead, he laid out the key events in his mind’s eye.
What was striking, though, was one particular phrase used to describe Sunday’s grand prix in Austin. “It’s a momentum killer,” he said. Deep down, the Bristolian knows there may be no coming back from this. Was this the day any glimpse of a first F1 world championship slipped away for Norris?
Yes, in all likelihood.
Full piece below:
‘Complaining a lot lately’: Max Verstappen responds to McLaren
13:00
Jamie Braidwood
In the build-up to Sunday’s race, McLaren CEO Zak Brown said he still believes Red Bull has a case to answer about the discovery of a contentious device which it has been claimed allows them to adjust the setup of the car between qualifying and the race – something that is not prohibited in the sport’s rules.
Red Bull have admitted the device exists but said it is inaccessible when the car is built. They have agreed to make changes to their car and F1’s governing body, the FIA have since said the case is closed.
Responding to Stella’s comments, Verstappen said: “They complain a lot lately. But it is very clear and it is in the rules. If you are outside the white line you cannot pass and I’ve been penalised for that in the past, too.”
What does Lando Norris need now to overhaul Max Verstappen?
12:30
Jamie Braidwood
Lando Norris faces an uphill battle as he seeks to deny Formula 1 title rival Max Verstappen a fourth consecutive world title.
Norris lost ground in the race for the Drivers’ Championship at the US Grand Prix in Austin as a penalty cost McLaren a podium.
The British driver was sanctioned by the race stewards after a late passing move on Verstappen, with a five-second penalty dropping him below the Dutchman and out of third place.
Norris had begun on pole but dropped down the field as Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz secured a Ferrari one-two, and admitted afterwards that finishing behind Verstappen was a blow to his world title hopes.
Max Verstappen hits back at McLaren after US Grand Prix penalty
12:00
Jamie Braidwood
Max Verstappen has hit back at McLaren F1’s criticism of his defensive tactics in Sunday’s US Grand Prix by accusing the British team of “complaining a lot lately”.
Verstappen extended his title lead over Lando Norris to 57 points after the McLaren man was demoted to fourth – one place behind Verstappen – following a five-second penalty for passing his championship rival off the track in the closing stages.
Norris accused the stewards of rushing their decision and said Verstappen’s aggressive move to defend his third place left him with nowhere to go.
McLaren rage at ‘inappropriate’ Lando Norris penalty
11:00
Jamie Braidwood
Max Verstappen, straight after the race, stated: “It was a tough battle, to be on the podium is a good result. I have my opinion but I don’t need to say it here, I’ll let the stewards do their thing.”
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, however, insisted the stewards were “inappropriate” for getting involved at all.
“The way the stewards interfered with a beautiful piece of motorsport was inappropriate,” he told Sky Sports F1. “It cost us a podium, we stayed patient and were pushed off in first corner. This kind of decision from the stewards, it can’t be appealed, we move on to the next race.
“We double-checked that both cars went off track, so there was no doubt that the manoeuvre was correct.”
McLaren fume at ‘inappropriate’ F1 bosses after Norris vs Verstappen battle
10:00
Jamie Braidwood
McLaren have angrily hit out at F1 bosses for what they believe was “inappropriate” interference in the gripping battle between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen at the US Grand Prix that cost their driver a podium place.
Amid an increasingly exciting fight for the F1 Drivers’ Championship title, Norris – who arrived in Austin trailing Verstappen by 52 points in the season standings – was competing with his rival for third place in the final laps of a race that saw Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainx take a one-two.
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 the Brit 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 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.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner:
09:30
Kieran Jackson
On Norris-Verstappen incident: “The rules are pretty clear, both clearly off the circuit. You can’t overtake.
“At the end of the day, the rules are the rules - the drivers know that. That’s illegal, Max was straight on the radio. There was a whole bunch of things going on at the time.
“It’s tough when you’re on the receiving end of it, the drivers spend hours talking about this. They come to a conclusion of the laws and they all know what they are.”
Lando Norris speaks post-race about his penalty:
09:00
Kieran Jackson
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 position.
“He went off the track because he over-defended and he made a mistake but he has gained from that. I had to go off to avoid him. With Max, you’ve got to commit, you cannot go half-hearted and people don’t understand that kind of thing.
“It is impossible to know if I could have stayed on the track (without that). Therefore, you cannot steward that kind of thing. It is just a rushed decision and they don’t hear or understand our points which they should do after the race. They just want to make a decision at the time.
“And you can’t appeal this kind of penalty which is again a silly thing because they are just guessing and I don’t think that is how stewarding should be done.”
Constructors’ Championship after US GP
08:00
Kieran Jackson
1. McLaren - 544 points
2. Red Bull - 504 points
3. Ferrari - 496 points
4. Mercedes - 344 points
5. Aston Martin - 86 points
6. Haas - 38 points
7. RB - 36 points
8. Williams - 17 points
9. Alpine - 13 points
10. Sauber - 0 points
Martin Brundle brutally ignored by F1 rookie Franco Colapinto on grid walk in Austin
07:00
Kieran Jackson
Martin Brundle was comically ignored by Franco Colapinto at the end of his grid walk at the US Grand Prix.
Brundle interviewed the likes of Fernando Alonso, Pierre Gasly and Kevin Magnussen – as well as Olympic gold medalists Gabby Thomas and Armand Duplantis - before the Sky Sports F1 broadcaster headed to the front of the grid.
Read full story below:
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella criticises ‘inappropriate’ stewards
05:00
Kieran Jackson
“The way the stewards interfered with a beautiful piece of motorsport was inappropriate,” he told Sky Sports F1.
“It cost us a podium, we stayed patient and were pushed off in first corner. This kind of decision from the stewards, it can’t be appealed, we move on to the next race.
“We double-checked that both cars went off track, so there was no doubt that the manoeuvre was correct.”
Liam Lawson after an impressive ninth-place finish on his 2024 debut
04:00
Kieran Jackson
"I want to stay in Formula 1 and have a full time seat next year, and these races are my key to doing that" ️
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) October 20, 2024
Liam Lawson on his aims for the rest of the season ️ pic.twitter.com/lyb0iubjlH
Toto Wolff slams ‘biased’ F1 stewards before cryptic interview at US Grand Prix
03:00
Kieran Jackson
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff slammed the decision-making from the FIA stewards as “biased” during the US Grand Prix on Sunday.
In an eventful race which saw numerous five-second penalties, Mercedes driver George Russell was penalised for leaving the track and gaining an advantage in a tussle with Valtteri Bottas – a decision Wolff at the time described as a “total joke.”
Full quotes below:
Lando Norris felt stewards ‘rushed decision’ to penalise him as US Grand Prix
02:00
Kieran Jackson
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.
Why was Lando Norris given a five second penalty in US Grand Prix?
01:15
Kieran Jackson
Lando Norris was handed a five-second penalty on the final lap of the US Grand Prix which cost the McLaren driver a podium in Austin.
Full explainer below:
RACE REPORT: Lando Norris’ F1 title bid suffers blow after penalty as Charles Leclerc wins US Grand Prix
Monday 21 October 2024 00:30
Kieran Jackson
Lando Norris’ F1 championship hopes were dealt a hammer blow after he was handed a controversial five-second penalty to finish behind rival Max Verstappen following a compelling US Grand Prix.
As Charles Leclerc raced to an impressive win at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas, pole man Norris was only fourth – one place behind Verstappen – to leave him 57 points adrift in the title race with only 146 points to play for across the concluding five rounds.
Carlos Sainz took second to complete a Ferrari one-two.
Full piece below:
Max Verstappen in the FIA press conference:
Sunday 20 October 2024 23:59
Kieran Jackson
Do you have sympathy with McLaren?
“No. I don’t. They complain about a lot lately, anyway. It’s clear you can’t overtake outside the white lines.”
Red Bull boss Christian Horner:
Sunday 20 October 2024 23:40
Kieran Jackson
On Norris-Verstappen incident: “The rules are pretty clear, both clearly off the circuit. You can’t overtake.
“At the end of the day, the rules are the rules - the drivers know that. That’s illegal, Max was straight on the radio. There was a whole bunch of things going on at the time.
“It’s tough when you’re on the receiving end of it, the drivers spend hours talking about this. They come to a conclusion of the laws and they all know what they are.”
"The rules are very, very clear"
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) October 20, 2024
Christian Horner on Lando Norris and Max Verstappen's battle ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/19rLAAIurx
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff on the FIA decision-making:
Sunday 20 October 2024 23:22
Kieran Jackson
“I think consistent. With Valtteri, it wasn’t even a risk. Racing for positions... and then receving that penalty is completely odd and bizarre. I think we know why, but we can’t say that on decision - and then the decision at the end.
“Sometimes there’s a correlation... when decision-making is a bit interesting.
“You said stewards. At the end of the day, it’s a difficult job, some are very good, some are trying their best. You need to salute these guys.”
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella:
Sunday 20 October 2024 23:00
Kieran Jackson
“The way the stewards interfered with a beautiful piece of motorsport was inappropriate.
“It cost us a podium, we stayed patient and were pushed off in first corner. This kind of decision from the stewards, it can’t be appealed, we move on to the next race.
“We double checked that both cars went off track, so there was no doubt that the manoeuvre was correct.”
Strong words!
Lando Norris, after finishing fourth:
Sunday 20 October 2024 22:51
Kieran Jackson
“It’s not an easy decision, it would’ve come sooner. I tried, he also went off the track, if he goes off the track he goes in too hard, and gains an advantage. But I don’t make the rules.
On the start: “Yeah potentially, I was pretty tight. Max went for a tight gap. From inside the car, it’s easier and harder to say on times, Max committed quite a bit. I don’t know, I need to look back. He’s overtaken by going off track.
“He defends off track, overtakes off track. Max raced well, we had a good race - the rules are the rules.
“The medium I struggled. We ended up where we expected to be, I’d have liked third - we still didn’t have the pace of the Ferraris. That’s life. We need a good chunk compared to the Ferrari.”
F1 US Grand Prix: Time for the podium!
Sunday 20 October 2024 22:40
Kieran Jackson
And what a podium for Ferrari - a one-two finish!
Time for the Monegasque and Italian national anthems!
And Max Verstappen takes third place - and his lead to Lando Norris is now 57 points!
Max Verstappen in the cool down room:
Sunday 20 October 2024 22:29
Kieran Jackson
“We were not so fast today!
“We had a [battle] for a few laps in a row. Yeah, a lot of opportunities to go side-by-side. He was already in front.”
Charles Leclerc after winning the US Grand Prix:
Sunday 20 October 2024 22:18
Kieran Jackson
“Very happy, it wasn’t an easy weekend but I had the confidence in the race. We still had the upper-hand, we couldn’t have dreamed for better.
“It was a pretty good turn 1, exactly what I wanted to do. I knew it would be very tight, today I gained from it. That obviously helped our first stint, in the second stint it was all about managing.
“The whole team is working super well, really happy.”
"Very very happy, and we are still targeting the title"
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) October 20, 2024
Charles Leclerc on his Austin win and a strong Ferrari 1-2, helping the team with their Constructor's Championship aims ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/dBMxiziHWp
Carlos Sainz after finishing second:
Sunday 20 October 2024 22:07
Kieran Jackson
“Congratulations to Charles, it’s a result which puts us exactly where we want to be for the constructors.
“I knew the race would be decided at the start, I got the worst of it, I couldn’t get the lead. The pace was really good.”
"Extremely happy for everyone in Ferrari right now"
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) October 20, 2024
Carlos on securing P2 in Austin ️ pic.twitter.com/Fn3q1mCq1j
Max Verstappen after finishing third:
Sunday 20 October 2024 21:57
Kieran Jackson
“It was a tough battle, to be on the podium is a good result.
“I have my opinion but I don’t need to say it here, I’ll let the stewards do their thing.”
"I have my opinion, I don't need to say it here, I'll let the stewards do their thing"
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) October 20, 2024
Max Verstappen on his close battle with Lando Norris ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/hvUsXu7Ub6
F1 US Grand Prix LIVE: Lando Norris on team radio..
Sunday 20 October 2024 21:46
Kieran Jackson
Norris when told of his penalty: “I should’ve just got back behind him then...”
Verstappen: “That was a hard race. I tried everything with the defending, at least that was fun. Bit weird you can’t overtake off the track.”
Lando and Max react as the McLaren driver's time penalty is applied down ⬇️⏱️ pic.twitter.com/7SqUHo1Jqc
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) October 20, 2024
F1 US Grand Prix LIVE: Charles Leclerc wins in Austin!
Sunday 20 October 2024 21:41
Kieran Jackson
Meanwhile at the front, Charles Leclerc wins the race by eight seconds to Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz! What a weekend for Ferrari!
Verstappen was third, though fourth on the track, with Norris dropping back down to fourth.
5-10: Piastri, Russell, Perez, Hulkenberg, Lawson, Colapinto
Jeez, what drama at the end there!
F1 US Grand Prix LIVE: Lando Norris gets a five-second penalty (Lap 56/56)
Sunday 20 October 2024 21:39
Kieran Jackson
Norris has been penalised for that incident with Verstappen - five-second penalty.
Norris will drop back behind Verstappen into fourth...
F1 US Grand Prix LIVE: Norris ahead of Verstappen (Lap 55/56)
Sunday 20 October 2024 21:38
Kieran Jackson
Norris’ engineer: “It is our opinion you were ahead at the apex, both cars off track.”
Verstappen: “Lando has exceeded his track limits so expecting a penalty for that alone, so flat out.”
Ah. So you’re allowed to be outside the white lines four times, and Norris has been outside four times. That’ll be a five-second penalty anyway, but McLaren thinks it’s three!
F1 US Grand Prix LIVE: Norris and Verstappen incident to be investigated (Lap 54/56)
Sunday 20 October 2024 21:36
Kieran Jackson
Incident noted by the stewards.
Norris is 1.4 seconds clear of Verstappen now. If he does get a five-second penalty, he will need to get five seconds clear of Verstappen by the end of the race!
I think Lando may be in trouble...
Top-10: Leclerc, Sainz, Norris, Verstappen Piastri, Perez, Russell, Hulkenberg, Lawson, Colapinto
F1 US Grand Prix LIVE: Lando Norris passes Max Verstappen - but was it legal?! (Lap 53/56)
Sunday 20 October 2024 21:34
Kieran Jackson
Lando Norris gets past at turn 12 but then Verstappen forces Norris off track - yet Norris rejoins on the track!
Verstappen: “Overtook me outside the track! He needs to give it back!”
What will the stewards decide? McLaren are telling Norris that they think he was ahead at the apex.
Still, Norris into third place for now!
The CONTROVERSAL moment Lando got ahead of Max for P3 ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/vtlUdJdyxu
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) October 20, 2024
F1 US Grand Prix LIVE: Terrific racing! (Lap 51/56)
Sunday 20 October 2024 21:32
Kieran Jackson
Thrilling stuff!
Brilliant defence from Max Verstappen on Lando Norris, who somehow can’t squeeze past the Red Bull!
He has five more laps to get it done!
Top-10: Leclerc, Sainz, Verstappen, Noris, Piastri, Perez, Russell, Hulkenberg, Lawson, Colapinto
F1 US Grand Prix LIVE: Brilliant defence from Verstappen! (Lap 48/56)
Sunday 20 October 2024 21:26
Kieran Jackson
Norris right on the gearbox of Verstappen after turn 12, but Verstappen puts his car in the perfect position to keep third place!
Meanwhile, at the front - Leclerc’s lead to Sainz has dropped to five seconds.
Top-10: Leclerc, Sainz, Verstappen, Noris, Piastri, Perez, Russell, Hulkenberg, Lawson, Colapinto
F1 US Grand Prix LIVE: Max Verstappen defending strongly from Lando Norris (Lap 46/56)
Sunday 20 October 2024 21:23
Kieran Jackson
Norris right behind his F1 title rival now, it’s only 0.5 seconds between Norris and Verstappen - but the Red Bull is defending staunchly for the time being!
F1 US Grand Prix LIVE: Lando Norris within DRS range of Max Verstappen now (Lap 44/56)
Sunday 20 October 2024 21:19
Kieran Jackson
Norris will be eyeing a move now on Verstappen - the McLaren is within a second of the Red Bull.
He’s too far back to make a move heading into turn 12 for now...
F1 US Grand Prix LIVE: George Russell pits (Lap 41/56)
Sunday 20 October 2024 21:15
Kieran Jackson
Russell pits from sixth - and serves his five-second penalty - and the Mercedes comes out in eighth.
Norris now within two seconds of Verstappen - this should be interesting! Carlos Sainz sets a new fastest lap...
Top-10: Leclerc, Sainz, Verstappen, Noris, Piastri, Perez, Hulkenberg, Russell, Lawson, Gasly
F1 US Grand Prix LIVE: Lando Norris showing good pace (Lap 37/56)
Sunday 20 October 2024 21:09
Kieran Jackson
Lando is cutting the deficit to Max Verstappen here, it’s now 3.5 seconds. He should be catching him within 10 laps or so - and has now set the fastest lap.
Verstappen: “These tyres just aren’t good, I can’t attack, I can’t do anything”
Out in front, it’s a Ferrari one-two and Leclerc has a 6.9 second lead to Sainz at the front.
Top-10: Leclerc, Sainz, Verstappen, Norris, Piastri, Russell, Colapinto, Perez, Magnussen, Hulkenberg
F1 US Grand Prix LIVE: Oscar Piastri pits (Lap 33/56)
Sunday 20 October 2024 21:02
Kieran Jackson
Piastri does indeed come in - 2.6 seconds - and he rejoins the track behind Norris and just ahead of Russell, who is yet to pit.
Top-10: Leclerc, Sainz, Verstappen, Norris, Piastri, Russell, Lawson, Colapinto, Perez, Magnussen
And so the race enters its next phase - how will the McLaren pace be on hard tyres?
