Max Verstappen, the Dutch Red Bull driver, has been hit with two 10-second penalties at the Mexican Grand Prix following incidents involving McLaren's Lando Norris.
The clashes occurred during a chaotic opening to the race, with Verstappen and Norris making contact twice in four corners.
Norris accused Verstappen of dangerous driving, telling his team radio: "I was ahead the whole way through the corner, this guy is dangerous.
"I just have to avoid a crash, I will end up in the wall in a minute."
The incidents took place as the pair battled for position after the safety car pulled in on Lap 7.
The stewards agreed with Norris's assessment, handing Verstappen two separate 10-second time penalties.
It was a chaotic start to the Mexican Grand Prix
Reuters
The first penalty was for a defensive action, while the second was for an offensive manoeuvre.
Verstappen expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision, particularly regarding the second penalty.
He radioed his team, saying: "And how about him then, Turn 4? That's fine then? That's silly man."
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The penalties could significantly impact the championship standings.
Verstappen currently leads the Drivers' Championship with 354 points, while Norris trails with 297 points.
The incidents between Verstappen and Norris benefited Ferrari, with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc capitalising on the situation.
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Sainz managed to speed past Verstappen using his DRS just a couple of laps after the safety car pulled in.
As Verstappen and Norris continued their battle, Leclerc seized the opportunity to join his teammate at the front.
The Ferrari drivers found themselves in a comfortable one-two lead.
Verstappen, struggling with his car's performance, radioed his team: "Mate what can I do with a empty battery? What is this stupid mode?"
Lando Norris branded Max Verstappen 'dangerous' on the team radio
Reuters
The chaotic start reshuffled the race order, with Ferrari emerging as the unexpected beneficiaries.
Norris's frustration was evident in his radio communication, where he stated: "This guy is dangerous.
"I just have to avoid a crash, I will end up in the wall in a minute."
Verstappen, on the other hand, seemed perplexed by his car's performance, asking his team: "Mate what can I do with a empty battery? What is this stupid mode?"
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Max Verstappen clashed twice in the opening stages of the Mexican GP
Reuters
The incidents at the Mexican Grand Prix echo previous concerns about Verstappen's aggressive driving style.
Norris referenced this, saying: "It's the same as last time," likely alluding to their clash at the U.S. Grand Prix, which had been a topic of discussion leading into the race weekend.
