The Mexico City Grand Prix ignited yet another debate in Formula 1: are the stewards consistently applying penalties? Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, found himself at the center of controversy after receiving two 10-second penalties that narrowed his championship lead over Lando Norris to 47 points. With only four races remaining, concerns are growing: Were the penalties deserved, or are the stewards becoming inconsistent in their rulings?
The tension between Verstappen and Norris flared during a critical moment in the race. After losing the lead to Carlos Sainz, Verstappen came under pressure from Norris as the two battled into Turn 4. Norris, attempting a move on the outside, was forced to run off-track when Verstappen defended aggressively. Norris rejoined the race just ahead of Verstappen but lost the place as the Dutchman attacked again at Turn 8. Verstappen overshot the corner, forcing Norris off-track again as both drivers scrambled to rejoin the racing line.
When the dust settled, Charles Leclerc had slipped into second place, leaving Verstappen in third and Norris fourth. Norris’ frustration was evident over the team radio, calling Verstappen’s maneuvers “dangerous.”
Following their review of the incidents at Turn 4 and Turn 8, the stewards imposed two 10-second penalties on Verstappen—one for pushing Norris off the track and another for gaining an advantage by going off the track.
While the penalties align with the FIA’s regulations, fans were quick to point out inconsistencies in applying rules across different races. Just a week earlier at the United States Grand Prix, similar maneuvers earned drivers only five-second penalties. Notably, Norris was penalized for overtaking Verstappen by leaving the track, and George Russell received a five-second penalty for forcing Valtteri Bottas wide. The sudden increase to 10-second penalties in Mexico raised eyebrows.
Verstappen’s penalties come at a crucial juncture in the season, with Norris gaining ground in the title race. While Red Bull expressed frustration at the stewards’ decisions, Norris and McLaren welcomed the penalties, with Norris suggesting that Verstappen’s aggressive style had crossed the line. Their on-track battles are fast becoming a new flashpoint in the sport, with the stewards forced to intervene twice in consecutive weekends.
This escalation highlights a recurring issue: how much leeway should drivers get in hard-fought battles? F1 has long struggled to balance fair racing with a desire to let drivers race without excessive interference. Some fans believe Verstappen was unfairly targeted, while others argue that the penalties reflect the need for consistency, especially as the championship fight heats up.
The FIA has emphasized the need for consistency, yet each race seems to bring a different interpretation of the same rules. Drivers are demanding clarity—not only to avoid penalties but also to know the boundaries of hard racing. While Verstappen’s penalties align with the regulations, the abrupt shift in enforcement suggests that the stewards are still finding their way with this year’s guidelines.
This uncertainty is frustrating for both drivers and fans. Aggressive defence and wheel-to-wheel battles are what make F1 thrilling, but the line between hard racing and dangerous behaviour is thin. As the season enters its final stages, it remains to be seen whether the FIA will stick to these harsher penalties or revert to more lenient rulings.
Max Verstappen’s double penalty in Mexico is a reminder of the complexities involved in stewarding F1 races. While the penalties appear justified by the letter of the law, the inconsistency with previous races leaves many questioning whether the stewards are applying the rules fairly—or if certain drivers are treated differently. As Norris and Verstappen’s rivalry intensifies, these decisions could have significant championship implications.
One thing is clear: the FIA must work toward clearer, more consistent rules if they want to avoid further controversy. For now, though, fans can only hope that the battles on track will be as thrilling as ever—without the outcome being decided in the stewards’ room.
