Verstappen Backs Norris' Aggressive Vegas GP Start Despite Costly Error
Max Verstappen defended Lando Norris's aggressive start at the Las Vegas GP, calling it the right move despite Norris's costly Turn 1 error that handed Verstappen the lead. Verstappen attributed Norris's slide to the track's low grip, allowing him to control the race for his sixth win. The incident highlights the high-stakes nature of F1 starts, with post-race investigations potentially impacting championship standings.
Max Verstappen has come out in defense of Lando Norris's aggressive defensive maneuver at the start of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, despite the McLaren driver's costly error ultimately paving the way for Verstappen's race-winning charge. While Norris's bold move led to a misjudgment and a slide wide, Verstappen believes it was the correct strategic play.
Why it matters:
- This exchange highlights the fine line between aggressive driving and costly mistakes in Formula 1, particularly on tricky, low-grip circuits.
- Verstappen's perspective offers insight into a champion's mindset regarding racecraft, acknowledging that even errors can stem from sound strategic intent.
- Norris's early misstep significantly altered the race's dynamic, essentially ending his chance to extend the title fight and solidifying Verstappen's control from the front.
The details:
- Aggressive Defense: Norris, starting on pole, needed to outscore Verstappen to keep the title fight alive. He aggressively covered the inside line from Verstappen's Red Bull into Turn 1.
- Braking Error: Despite holding track position, Norris misjudged his braking point on the low-grip surface, sliding wide and surrendering the lead to Verstappen.
- Verstappen's View: Verstappen stated, "That's what you should do. I mean to cover off of course the inside." He attributed Norris's error to the difficulty of braking accurately on a slippery track immediately after the start, with little time to check mirrors.
- Early Race Dynamics: Norris's mistake also allowed George Russell to slip into second, putting early pressure on Verstappen. The Red Bull driver noted that the initial stint was a "finding our feet" period for all drivers, trying to balance aggression with tire management.
- Strategic Control: Verstappen, starting on mediums, leveraged his early lead to execute an overcut on Russell during pit stops, securing clean air for his second stint on hard tires. He described the race as "very enjoyable, very nice, relaxed actually."
The big picture:
Verstappen's victory further cemented his dominant season, making it his sixth win of the year. While Norris recovered to second, late-race issues prevented him from challenging. The incident underscores the high stakes and immediate consequences of decisions made in the opening seconds of an F1 race, especially when a championship is on the line. The low-grip conditions of the Las Vegas street circuit amplified these challenges, punishing even minor miscalculations.
What's next:
Norris's runner-up finish placed him 42 points ahead of Verstappen in the championship, but this gap could be reduced as both McLarens faced investigation for alleged plank-wear violations. Verstappen, meanwhile, remains focused on enjoying his current success and aiming for victories, rather than getting caught up in championship permutations, as he looks towards a potential fifth world title. The stewards' decision regarding McLaren could still impact the championship standings significantly.