Why Verstappen was hit hard by F1 stewards in Mexican GP

The FIA has explained why Max Verstappen received two 10-second time penalties and two penalty points in the Mexico City Grand Prix after battling Lando Norris.

On lap 10, Norris attempted to pass his title rival at Turn 4 around the outside, having had most of the car alongside the Red Bull - before being forced onto the grass. 

Norris did not give the position back to Verstappen but did to leader Carlos Sainz, but moments later, Verstappen lunged at Turn 8, forcing both off the track, leading Norris to brand him "dangerous" over the radio. 

He was awarded two 10-second penalties for the incidents, going on to finish in sixth, with Norris in second, the championship gap being reduced to 47 points. 

The Turn 4 verdict was recalled by the stewards, with the Dutchman then awarded a further two penalty points for the first move - bringing his total to six for the 12 month with 12 needed for a ban.

For the Turn 4 incident, the stewards' verdict is below.

"Norris was attempting to overtake on the outside of Verstappen at Turn 4. Norris was ahead of Verstappen at the entry, apex and towards the exit of the turn when he started being forced off the track," read the document. 

"The Stewards believe that the manoeuvre was done in a safe and controlled manner and that Norris would have been able to make the manoeuvre on the track had he not been forced off the track by Verstappen. 

"Norris cut the corner but immediately gave the position he gained as a result back to Sainz.

The penalty is the standard penalty in such cases."

Turn 8 penalty explained

Moments later, Verstappen lunged up the inside of Turn 8, forcing both himself and Norris off the track. 

The Red Bull driver ostensibly overtook Norris off the track, and was ultimately penalised for gaining an advantage off track. 

"Following the incident in Turn 4, Verstappen attempted to pass Norris on the inside at Turn 8," read the verdict. 

"Verstappen was ahead at the apex of Turn 8 and would have been entitled to racing room. 

"However, he was not able to complete the manoeuvre on the track, left the track and kept the lasting advantage gaining the position, incidentally forcing Norris off the track.

"The penalty is the standard penalty for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage."

The stewards did not hand Verstappen any penalty points for either incident.

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