The United States Grand Prix not only resulted in a splendid victory for Red Bull’s driver Max Verstappen, but also a fine of €50,000 for the team. The hefty fine was imposed for attempting to peel off a piece of tape from the guardrail. McLaren driver and title rival Lando Norris was reportedly using the marking to correctly position his car at the start. Verstappen says he understands the stewards’ decision, amidst the increasingly tense title fight.
Lando Norris was able to laugh about the incident afterwards, which has already been dubbed tape-gate. “I didn’t care at all. In the end, I didn’t even use the tape – which made it even funnier.” “We had just stuck it on for safety. The fact that they get such a penalty for it, makes it all the more amusing.”
Max Verstappen, the other main contender in the title race, was also asked about the notable penalty his team received after the race in Austin. “There’s a yellow line in the starting box. That’s what you look at, and that’s how you park your car,” explains the four-time world champion in Mexico City. “It doesn’t really matter where you start. But some people have different habits, and I understand that. In Austin, for some reason, it took a bit longer for the gate to close.” Verstappen understands why his team was ultimately fined for attempting to remove the tape. “I think it’s quite clear how the stewards explained it. Therefore, it’s very understandable that you get a fine for that.”
Nervous McLaren?
The tape incident occurs amidst the ongoing title battle between Verstappen and the two McLaren drivers. The Dutchman is steadily gaining on both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in the championship, increasing the tension. For Verstappen, this is not the first time he’s faced such an exciting end to a season. During his title fight with Lewis Hamilton in 2021, the Brit admitted to becoming increasingly nervous whenever he saw Verstappen in his mirrors.
Verstappen wonders if the McLaren drivers are now experiencing the same feeling. “That’s hard for me to say,” the world champion honestly tells De Telegraaf. “Back then (in 2021), that was also part of the game I was playing. Will I do that again? I don’t need to. Back then, I had never won a world title. Now, I have a few, and they (Piastri and Norris) don’t. And at this stage, you’re naturally more nervous if you haven’t won a world championship yet, compared to when you already have.”
