P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has claimed Max Verstappen’s aggressive driving wasn’t suppressed earlier in F1 as unpunished incidents “legitimated” his actions.
Max Verstappen received two 10-second time penalties at the Mexico City Grand Prix for his clashes with Lando Norris, sparking debate on his racing approach. The FIA’s decision to penalize Verstappen’s actions on Lap 10 raised criticisms following similar incidents in the United States that went unpunished. A meeting among drivers during the Mexico GP highlighted the need for regulation changes, with the FIA preparing to release an updated rulebook. Mercedes’ Toto Wolff anticipates the revised guidelines will impact racing dynamics, especially in response to Verstappen’s aggressive driving tactics. Wolff stressed the importance of leaving space and not pushing competitors wide at corners, emphasizing the upcoming shift in racing behavior. The penalties imposed on Verstappen in Mexico were seen as a reaffirmation of authority in F1, reflecting a potential shift in how drivers will navigate on-track battles in the future.