Familiar tensions have resurfaced at the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix, once again focusing on Max Verstappen is aggressive driving. Three-time world champion Verstappen received the wrong attention following an incident with McLaren Lando Norris. This altercation, described by former driver and commentator Martin Brundle as a “red mist moment”, sparked a debate over the limits of competitive racing.

One of the many focal points of the exciting race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez was Verstappen’s move against Norris early in the race. Martin Brundle didn’t mince words, labeling Verstappen’s actions “ridiculous” and admitting his disappointment.

“(The Tower 7 incident) is just a red mist moment and a ridiculous moment actually. He took the pair out of them and was lucky he didn’t get a drive-through penalty or something. I am so amazed. by Max, and I hate it when he does that. It’s better than that.

“I think he’s got frustration because he’s got the third fastest car at the moment. We know he’s fired up and we know he’s aggressive – and that’s what you want, that’s what we are – but there’s a limit. The second incident was way over the limit.

“If they keep getting penalties, they’re going to have to tame them down,” warned Brundle.

These penalties were a major talking point for Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who described them as too severe. He defended Verstappen’s actions, arguing that Norris’ late move opened the door for both to pull away.

“Max left the track at Turn Four, then at Turn Seven, Lando opened the door very late and they both ran there,” Horner said.

“The problem is, I think we’re getting into very dangerous territory, at what point is a dive bomb going to be OK?” He called for a clearer dialogue between the FIA ​​and the drivers to define acceptable racing behaviour, adding: “I think really the FIA ​​and the drivers need to sit down and decide what is acceptable and what is not. I thought two 10-second (penalties) was a little on the tough side today.”

Verstappen’s penalties were consequential, affecting Red Bull’s strategic options and their performance. “You always have to play by the rules. We’ll look and learn from this race, but more for us today was that we just didn’t have the pace. That’s where our focus will be over the next five days,” Horner reflected, acknowledging the need for performance improvements.

The Mexico City Grand Prix, part of a long tradition dating back to its inaugural championship event in 1963, put on a brilliant race this year. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was the winner, taking the checkered flag ahead of Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc in second and third respectively.