Verstappen's missteps have thrown fresh energy into Norris\u2019s title pursuit, narrowing the points gap between the two to just 47 with four races left in the season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I go into every race expecting a tough battle with Max,\" Norris told reporters after the race. \u201cHis only job is to beat me in the race, and he\u2019ll sacrifice himself to do that, like he did today.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Mexico City battle, which began with both drivers racing hard into corners, quickly escalated. Verstappen, who had held a dominant lead in the championship for most of the season, was penalized for forcing Norris off track at Turn Four and later for cutting across the chicane to gain an advantage. The penalties added up, and Verstappen fell back, breaking his 10-race winless streak and leaving Norris to claim a critical second-place finish.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on Verstappen's aggressive tactics, Norris said, \u201cI want those tough battles, like I\u2019ve seen him have plenty of times. But fair ones. Today was not fair, clean racing. And therefore, I think he got what he had coming to him.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The competitive tension between the two title rivals had already flared in Texas, where Norris was penalized for going off track while attempting to pass Verstappen. The rivalry has intensified as McLaren and Norris have steadily climbed in performance, with Verstappen now feeling more pressure to defend his lead. Verstappen's penalties in Mexico echoed the concerns of many drivers who have argued for consistent racing guidelines.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cToday I felt like I just had to avoid collisions, and that\u2019s not what you feel like you want to do in a race,\u201d Norris explained. \u201cHe\u2019s in a very powerful position in the championship. He\u2019s a long way ahead. He has nothing to lose. People can say it\u2019s the other way around, like he\u2019s got everything to lose and it\u2019s all for me. But it\u2019s not the case.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The competitive tension between the two title rivals had already flared in Texas, where Norris was penalized for going off track while attempting to pass Verstappen. The rivalry has intensified as McLaren and Norris have steadily climbed in performance, with Verstappen now feeling more pressure to defend his lead. Verstappen's penalties in Mexico echoed the concerns of many drivers who have argued for consistent racing guidelines.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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