Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has expressed his disapproval over the penalties handed out to Max Verstappen during the Mexican Grand Prix. Verstappen, known for his aggressive driving style, was penalized twice – first for pushing his rival Lando Norris off the track and then for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.

Horner described the penalties as “harsh” and suggested current racing rules lack clarity, particularly when it comes to aggressive driving that blurs the lines of acceptability on the track.

“Max left the track in turn four and then turn seven, Lando opened the door very late and they both ran away from there,” Horner explained on Sky Sports F1 in response to the incidents that led to Verstappen’s penalties.

The race took place at the Mexico City Grand Prix, with Ferrari's Carlos Sainz securing victory. From second place on the grid, Verstappen made an impressive start by overtaking the Spaniard in the first corner. However, his lead was short-lived, both after Sainz overtook him after a safety car and also due to a series of penalties that drastically affected his race.

“The problem is, I think we're going into very dangerous territory: At what point is a dive bomb OK?” Horner questioned. “I think the FIA ​​and the drivers really need to sit down and decide what is acceptable and what is not. I thought two 10-second penalties were a bit too harsh today.”

The Red Bull boss is calling for more explicit dialogue between the FIA ​​and drivers to refine what is allowed in races. This reflects ongoing debates within Formula 1 over the consistency and interpretation of aggressive driving rules, particularly in light of previous controversies involving Verstappen, such as similar incidents at the United States Grand Prix.

Lando Norris was able to secure a podium place as second between the Ferrari drivers. His rivalry with Verstappen was a defining narrative of the 2024 season, with Norris frequently competing with the Dutch driver. After the race, Norris commented on dangerous driving:

“I was ahead the whole time in the corner. This guy is dangerous. It's the same as last time. I’ll be in the wall in a minute.”

While Ferrari and McLaren took advantage of their day, Red Bull faced challenges not only with penalties but also with their overall speed throughout the race.

“You always have to follow the rules. We'll look and learn from this race, but for us today the main thing was that we just didn't have the pace. That's what we're going to focus on over the next five days.” Horner admitted.

The results of the Mexican Grand Prix have significant implications for the constructors' and drivers' championships. Ferrari's victory, driven by Carlos Sainz and supported by the efforts of Charles Leclerc, means the Scuderia now sits ahead of Red Bull in the constructors' championship. Meanwhile, Verstappen's setback increases the fight for the Drivers' Championship even more as every point now becomes crucial as he holds off Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc.