An FIA source explained the reason behind Max Verstappen’s notably higher penalty in Mexico compared to Lando Norris’s in Texas, amid speculation that Verstappen was treated more harshly. Despite a Ferrari victory, the focus remained on Verstappen and Norris, who collided on track for the second consecutive week. Verstappen received two 10-second penalties for incidents involving Norris, as he was found to have “forced [Norris] off track” and “left the track to gain an advantage.”
After the race, the FIA issued an official statement detailing Verstappen’s penalties, stating: “Norris was ahead of Verstappen at the entry, apex, and exit of the turn when he began to be forced off track. The Stewards concluded that the maneuver was executed in a safe and controlled manner, and that Norris could have completed the maneuver on track if he hadn’t been pushed off by Verstappen.”

“After the incident at Turn 4, Verstappen tried to overtake Norris on the inside at Turn 8.”
“It was concluded that he [Verstappen] couldn’t complete the maneuver on track, left the track, and gained a lasting advantage by incidentally forcing Norris off.” Since the race, there have been concerns about the inconsistency of Verstappen’s penalties compared to the five-second penalty Norris received at the US Grand Prix. Red Bull Chief Helmut Marko noted that this was a response to the incidents in Austin. However, an FIA source has since clarified the reasons behind Verstappen’s severe punishment, according to Motorsport.