Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has insisted that Lando Norris' overtake on Max Verstappen was "illegal" in the closing laps of the United States Grand Prix.
Norris received a five-second time penalty for gaining an advantage off the circuit at Turn 12, where he overtook the reigning world champion on lap 52.
Both drivers ran off the track whilst battling, yet Norris rejoined the Circuit of the Americas ahead of his title rival.
The Briton's move was deemed illegal by the stewards, with the time penalty having demoted Norris behind Verstappen who inherited third.
"Obviously, it was hard racing between them," Horner told Sky Sports F1. "They've gone off the circuit, Lando passed off the circuit.
"The rules are very, very clear. Max was obviously straight on the radio, the race director was pretty clear."
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella criticised the stewards post-race for taking "inappropriate" action by penalising Norris.
Verstappen finishing a place ahead of Norris has increased his lead in the F1 drivers' title to 57 points, leaving McLaren frustrated.
"I can understand the frustration, but at the end of the day, the rules are the rules," insisted Horner.
"The drivers know that they're driving accordingly. Max was acutely aware that as soon as Lando went over that white line off track and overtook, that's illegal."
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