Button Critiques F1 Regulations Amid Verstappen-Norris U.S. Grand Prix Controversy

Jenson Button has pointed out issues with the rules following an examination of the clash between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris at the United States Grand Prix.

Jenson Button, who won the Formula 1 world championship in 2009, has expressed concerns about the current rules following a contentious incident involving Max Verstappen and Lando Norris at the United States Grand Prix.

With just four laps remaining, it seemed likely that Verstappen would drop to fourth place as Norris appeared ready to pass him on the outside of Turn 12.

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Verstappen applied the brakes later than usual while navigating the corner, causing both drivers to veer off the track.

Norris exited the corner in the lead and then began to increase his distance from the others

The incident was swiftly examined by the stewards, resulting in Norris receiving a five-second penalty for obtaining an advantage while being off the track.

McLaren was furious over the decision, with Andrea Stella criticizing the stewards for getting involved. Meanwhile, some commentators believed that Verstappen avoided consequences for his aggressive maneuver on the first lap and his defensive tactics against Norris.

Following the race, ex-McLaren driver Button raised concerns about Verstappen's strategy of intentionally braking too late in order to position himself ahead at the corner's apex.

Importantly, this gives the defending driver, in this instance Verstappen, control of the corner.

Jenson Button commented to Anthony Davidson during his analysis segment that the challenging aspect is that while the driver is ahead at the apex, it is due to having braked too late.

"He understands that he must lead when reaching the peak, and he has accomplished that."

Davidson responded by saying, "He acted that way because he anticipates being passed on the outside. A similar situation occurred with Hamilton in Brazil 2021."

"He is aware that you will deviate significantly, and as a result, I will also have to step outside the usual boundaries. We understand the situation."

Button stated that the issue lies with the rules. He explained that if a driver is aware that they need to have the front of their car leading at the apex, they might simply ease off the accelerator and let their vehicle enter the turn. Although they end up ahead, they don't successfully navigate the corner.

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