Brundle criticises Verstappen's driving after Norris incident in Mexico

Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle has delivered a blistering critique of Max Verstappen's driving during the Mexican Grand Prix, suggesting the three-time world champion was fortunate to escape more severe penalties for his controversial clash with Lando Norris.

Two incidents, two different levels of concern

The dramatic lap 10 encounters between Verstappen and Norris drew markedly different responses from Brundle.

While describing the Turn 4 incident as a "squabble over apex and inside and outside," the former F1 driver reserved particular criticism for the subsequent Turn 7 clash.

"The second one I was particularly upset about,"

Brundle stated during Sky Sports' coverage.

"This [Turn 7] is just a red mist moment, and actually a ridiculous moment."

Penalty discussion

The incidents resulted in two 10-second penalties for Verstappen, but Brundle believes the punishment could have been more severe.

"He's lucky he didn't get a drive-through penalty or something like that actually,"

the veteran commentator observed. The penalties ultimately relegated Verstappen to sixth place, marking a significant points swing in the championship battle.

Frustration as a factor

Brundle suggested underlying frustration might have influenced Verstappen's aggressive approach.

"I think he's carrying some frustration because he's got the third-fastest car on the track at the moment,"

he noted, while emphasizing this didn't excuse the behavior.

"I'm so in awe of Max, and I hate it when he does that sort of thing, because he's better than that. He's too good to drive like that."

Historical context and limits

While acknowledging the sport's history of fierce rivalries, Brundle drew a clear line regarding acceptable conduct.

"We know he's feisty, we know he's aggressive, and that's what you want to see in your Formula One racing,"

he explained, referencing historic battles between Senna, Prost, Mansell, and Piquet.

"But then there is a limit, and that second incident was way past the limit."

The controversy has added new intensity to the championship's closing stages, with Verstappen's lead now reduced to 47 points with four races remaining in the season.