Coming into the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix, the hot topic was on driving guidelines and penalties after a clash between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris in the United States the week prior.
In the closing stages in Austin, Verstappen put on a defensive masterclass to fend off Norris's attack for third as the battle between them reached its peak moment at Turn 12.
Norris attempted to move around the outside, but Verstappen simply released the brakes, got the apex first as Norris went sailing past off the track - copping a five-second time penalty for his trouble.
The result, with Verstappen promoted back to third and Norris fourth, was perhaps the first nail in the coffin for Norris's faint title hopes - as McLaren then lodged a right of review in Mexico. feeling the penalty for the Briton was unfair.
The stewards did not agree and it was thrown out, with the two then coming to blows again in Mexico - with Verstappen on the receiving end.
Verstappen's meltdown
On Lap 9, Carlos Sainz overtook Verstappen for a lead he would never lose for Ferrari's most recent grand prix victory, as the clashes between Verstappen and Norris came on Lap 10.
Firstly, Norris attempted to drive around the outside of Verstappen at Turn 4, to get the inside line for Turn 5 through the tight, twisty sector, but the Red Bull just barged the McLaren into the grass, despite Norris having earned the right to racing room.
Seconds later at Turn 8, Verstappen dive-bombed Norris, forcing both drivers off the track and into the run-off, with the Dutchman staying ahead.
The stewards took a very dim view.
Verstappen received two-10 10-second time penalties for each of the incidents, for forcing another driver wide and then gaining a lasting advantage by passing off track.
The 20s worth of penalties were then compounded with two penalty points for forcing Norris off-track as the incidents destroyed Verstappen's chances of another win.
He would eventually labour home to sixth, which, with Norris second after a late pass on Charles Leclerc to reduce the points deficit to 47.
But post-race, the inquests began.
1996 world champion described Verstappen's action as being similar to those of 'Dick Dastardly', the main character from the Wacky Races series who would often try to scupper rivals than just winning himself.
As expected, Red Bull boss Christian Horner went out to bat for Verstappen, and came as close to criticising Verstappen as he had ever done as the dust settled and F1 moved onto Brazil.
There, one of the truly all-time great drives from 17th on the grid effectively ended the title race as Verstappen majestically won as Norris floundered to sixth.
By the next race in Las Vegas, it was all over.
Fortunately for Verstappen, he is also about to lose the one remaining penalty he has from the meltdown.
His two penalty points are set to expire on the Monday following this year's Mexican GP, as he drops down to seven for the 12-month period.
Provided he does not pick up any more penalty points, Verstappen will end 2025 on just three, having been on 11 following his Spanish GP collision with George Russell earlier this year.
Most read
In this article
Join the conversation!