Max Verstappen dodges Lando Norris’ question after being called out by Jenson Button | F1 | sport

Max Verstappen refused to explain his take on a tense tussle with Lando Norris that saw the McLaren star drop a five-second penalty at the United States Grand Prix.

The two Drivers’ Championship rivals went head-to-head in a battle for P3 during the final laps of the race. Norris, on fresher tyres, eventually passed Verstappen at Turn 12, but went off the track in the process.

He refused to give back the place and the marshals hit him with a five-second penalty that restored Verstappen to third, although he took the checkered flag four seconds from the 24-year-old.

Speaking to Sky Sports’ Jenson Button immediately after the race, Verstappen said: “For me, of course, it was quite difficult. I never had the pace to attack, so it was a bit different compared to yesterday (when he won the sprint).

“She was underwhelming a lot and struggling to slow down, so it made it difficult for the defense as well. Every time someone wanted to make a move, she really couldn’t slow down that late. It was a tough battle. I tried my best to hold her. Al final, to get on the podium is a great result for us.”

Referring specifically to the Turn 12 incident, Button called out Verstappen, saying: “Obviously Lando ran hard and made the move, but it looked like you went off the circuit a bit too.”

The Dutchman waved his right arm and replied: “Yes. I have my opinion but I don’t need to say it here, I’ll let the stewards do their thing. For us it was a race where we learned a lot, and only we will analyze”.

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