In a controversial turn of events at the United States Grand Prix, McLaren’s Lando Norris received a five-second penalty that hampered his chances in the drivers’ championship chase against Max Verstappen.
After starting from pole position, Norris briefly overtook Verstappen but was penalized for gaining an advantage by leaving the track, dropping him to fourth place behind Verstappen, who finished third.
Norris expressed frustration, noting that his poor defense at the start contributed to the situation and acknowledged the setback in his championship pursuit.
Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc of Ferrari won the race, followed by teammate Carlos Sainz, marking a strong one-two finish for the team.
Leclerc capitalized on the Norris-Verstappen duel at the first corner to take the lead and maintained it throughout the race.
The victory brought Ferrari closer to McLaren in the constructors’ championship standings, now only 48 points behind McLaren and just eight points shy of Red Bull.
The drivers will compete next in Mexico, followed by Brazil.
