Max Verstappen has been struggling in form. On Friday, he received a five-place grid penalty for the Brazilian Grand Prix, putting his world title defense at risk once more. The Red Bull star received a penalty for choosing to install a new engine in his car. It’s his sixth of the year, surpassing his previous record of four. The loss comes as his chances of winning a fourth world title in a row.
He has been hampered by McLaren rival Lando Norris. The latter is 47 points behind him in the standings with four races remaining this season. Last week in Mexico, Verstappen was fined 10 seconds twice on his way to sixth place for aggressive driving, which forced Norris off the track twice. On Friday, Norris topped the charts for McLaren. With a late fastest lap to beat Mercedes’ George Russell.
Oliver Bearman, driving for Haas, made it three Brits on top in the first free practice. Norris completed the best lap of one minute and 10.610 seconds, outpacing Russell by 0.181, with Bearman third, 0.191 behind, ahead of Oscar Piastri in the second McLaren. Max Verstappen was 15th in the second Red Bull. But he did not push for a flying lap in the final minutes on soft tyres.
Max Verstappen’s strategy is built for speed, not stability
Is Max Verstappen’s strategy losing its sharpness? The events in Austin and Mexico sparked heated debate, with some claiming Verstappen was driving irresponsibly to gain an edge. In Mexico, it appeared to pay off, before his time penalties, when Norris was held up behind the Red Bull after Verstappen illegally passed him.
Allowing Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz to open a lead from which he could not be caught. This costed Norris vital points. Norris has also been questioned for not being as aggressive as his opponent. But he made it clear in Brazil that, whether perceived as weakness or good character, that is not how he wants to race. Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, strongly supported his strategy and stance on Friday.
