After a challenging race at the Mexican Grand Prix, Max Verstappen delivered a cheeky message about the penalties he faced, humorously suggesting he is aiming to set a “new record” for penalties in Formula 1. This quip comes after the Red Bull driver received a rare 20-second penalty, leading him to joke that the FIA could impose a “30-second punishment next time.”
Verstappen’s Penalty Breakdown
During the race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Verstappen was handed two 10-second penalties for separate incidents involving Lando Norris, his competitor for the F1 2024 title. The first penalty occurred on Lap 10 when Verstappen forced Norris off the track while he attempted an outside pass at Turn 4. Shortly after, another incident unfolded at Turn 7, where Verstappen aggressively cut inside Norris, causing both to take to the run-off area.
This led to the unusual situation of Verstappen being stationary for 20 seconds during a pit stop before his team could begin work on his car. Ultimately, he finished the race in sixth place, marking his joint-worst result of the 2024 season. Following the race, Verstappen joked about having time to enjoy a can of Red Bull while serving his penalty, stating, “We even had the chance to switch off the engine and drink a Red Bull during the stop. It was relaxing.”
Reflections on the Race
Despite his light-heartedness, Verstappen candidly expressed frustration with the race, calling it “very bad.” He remarked that the 20-second penalty felt excessive, adding, “I don’t know, maybe they can give me 30 seconds next time. Maybe we have to go for a new record.” He emphasized the importance of understanding his car’s pace moving forward, noting, “I’m not going to cry about the penalties. I take it and we move on.”
Upcoming Challenges
As the season progresses, Verstappen is expected to face a five-place grid penalty at the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix due to engine issues experienced in Mexico. His struggles with the Red Bull RB20’s pace have been a significant concern, and he acknowledged, “We were struggling. I couldn’t brake; I had no grip.”
Jos Verstappen’s Concerns
Following the penalties, Jos Verstappen, Max’s father and former F1 driver, raised concerns regarding a potential “conflict of interest” among the FIA stewards. He suggested that the panel, including former driver Johnny Herbert, may have biases that affect their decision-making. He stated, “The FIA should take a good look at the staffing of the stewards… to ensure there’s no appearance of a conflict of interest.”
As Max Verstappen continues to navigate the pressures of being the reigning World Champion, his light-hearted approach to penalties showcases his resilience. With his focus now shifting to improving performance and overcoming challenges, fans eagerly anticipate how he will fare in the remaining races of the season.
