Max Verstappen receives another penalty after the disaster at the Mexican Grand Prix

Defending champion Max Verstappen was punished again after the Mexican Grand Prix. The legendary race took place at the demanding Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, where Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz took his second victory of the 2024 season. However, the aftermath of the race was marked by Verstappen's controversial driving style, which has now led to further penalties.

The drama began when Verstappen received two 10-second time penalties. In addition, two penalty points have now been added to his license, bringing the total to six penalty points over a 12 month period. The penalties came after incidents with rival Lando Norris, who Verstappen pushed off the track at Turn 4. The FIA ​​stated that the penalty was a standard measure for such cases. Similar to last weekend, Red Bull has the opportunity to appeal.

Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner responded to the penalties with harsh criticism, describing them as “harsh” and drawing attention to the need for clarity regarding the rules on aggressive driving.

“Max came off the track in turn four, then Lando opened the door very late in turn seven and they both ran away there,” explained Horner. “The problem is, I think we're going into very dangerous territory: At what point is a dive bomb OK? I think the FIA ​​and the drivers really need to sit down and decide what is acceptable and what is not. I thought two 10-second (penalties) would be a little harsh today.”

The Mexican Grand Prix was full of excitement from the start. Verstappen had an impressive start and briefly took the lead from Sainz in the first corner. However, a safety car interrupted the race, which, along with subsequent penalties, affected his momentum. Norris, who finished second, expressed strong concerns about Verstappen's driving style, describing it as “dangerous”.

“I was ahead the whole time in the corner. This guy is dangerous. It's the same as last time. I’ll be on the wall in a minute,” Norris said over his team radio.

Sainz's victory and Charles Leclerc's efforts propelled Ferrari forward in the constructors' championship, overtaking the Milton Keynes team. Meanwhile, Verstappen's difficult race has tightened competition in the drivers' championship and reduced his lead over Norris and Leclerc.