Max Verstappen aims savage dig at Lando Norris and McLaren after their complaints about US Grand Prix penalty

Max Verstappen delivered a savage response when asked about Lando Norris and McLaren’s complaints over the penalty at the United States Grand Prix.

On Sunday, there was a controversial end to the US Grand Prix after a close battle involving reigning Formula 1 champion Verstappen and his closest challenger Norris.

During lap 52 of the race, the pair nearly collided at Turn 12 as they battled for third place.

Norris and Verstappen both went off the track with the McLaren coming back on in P3.

However, it was later decided that Norris gained a lasting advantage off the track and was handed a five-second penalty, which cost the Brit a place on the podium.

After the race, Norris described the decision as ‘rash’ and McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said: “My view is that the way that the stewards interfered with a beautiful piece of motorsport was inappropriate because both cars were off track, so both cars gained an advantage.

“It’s a shame because it cost us a podium. It cost us a race where we stayed patient after we were pushed off in the first lap at the first corner. We accepted it.”

During the post-race press conference, Verstappen was asked whether he had any sympathy for Norris and McLaren.

The Red Bull superstar replied: “No, I don't. I mean, they complain about a lot recently.

“It's very clear in the rules, outside the white line you cannot pass. I have been done for it as well in the past – I think in 2017, or whenever it was, so I lost my podium like that.”

Verstappen added: “So I just remained calm, trying to do the best I could after that to bring the car to the end. It was not easy with the tyres and the situation that I was in. But overall, I still really enjoyed that battle that we had.”

Commenting on his controversial move on Lap 1, Verstappen said: “There was a gap on the inside, so I went for it. That corner is very wide, so it gives you a lot of opportunity of going very wide or trying to go really tight.

“I chose that option, and I still came out second this time, and it was Charles in front. I think it worked out quite well for me, because Charles was faster anyway, so he just pulled away.”

As a result, Verstappen will head into this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix having further extended his lead in the F1 drivers’ standings to 57 points.