F1 Team Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner on the grid before the Formula 1 Pirelli United States Grand Prix on October 20, 2024 at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, TX. (Photo by Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Christian Horner believes that Lando Norris’ penalty for overtaking Max Verstappen off-track in the 2024 US Grand Prix was straightforward. Speaking to media, including Sportskeeda, after the race, the Red Bull Racing CEO explained that if Norris had given the place back, the penalty could have been avoided.
While McLaren team principal Andrea Stella expressed frustration at the stewards for a hasty decision, Horner saw it differently. In the duel, both cars went wide, but Norris overtook Verstappen off-track and didn’t return the position, resulting in a five-second penalty and a demotion to fourth place.
Horner felt that the stewards’ decision was clear and timely. He acknowledged McLaren’s disappointment but pointed out that Red Bull and Verstappen have been similarly penalized in the past. However, he admitted that the wheel-to-wheel duel between Norris and Verstappen was exciting and well worth the watch.
