Jenson Button Highlights Regulation Flaws Following Verstappen-Norris Clash at US Grand Prix

Jenson Button points out a "regulatory issue" following an analysis of Max Verstappen's clash with Lando Norris during the US Grand Prix.

2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button has expressed concerns over the "regulations issue" following the contentious situation involving Max Verstappen and Lando Norris during the United States Grand Prix.

With just four laps remaining, Verstappen appeared on the verge of dropping to fourth place as Norris aimed to pass him on the outer side of Turn 12.

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Nonetheless, Verstappen applied his brakes further into the turn, causing both competitors to veer off the circuit.

Norris emerged in the lead from the corner and then extended his advantage.

The sequence was swiftly scrutinized by the officials, resulting in Norris receiving a five-second time penalty for gaining an unfair advantage while off the track.

McLaren was infuriated by the decision, with Andrea Stella challenging the stewards' involvement. Meanwhile, certain commentators believed Verstappen had avoided repercussions for his aggressive first-lap maneuver and subsequent defense against Norris.

Following the competition, ex-McLaren racer Button raised doubts about Verstappen's strategy of intentionally braking too late to ensure he was ahead at the corner's critical point.

Significantly, this permits the driver on defense – in this instance, Verstappen – to dominate the turn.

Button mentioned to Anthony Davidson while discussing the analysis segment, "What I really struggle with is the fact that he's leading at the apex, but that's only because he braked too late."

"He's aware that he must be leading as he reaches the crucial point. And indeed, he has accomplished just that."

Davidson responded, "He did that because he anticipates being surpassed from the outside. A similar situation occurred in Brazil 2021 with Hamilton."

"He's aware that you're going to deviate so significantly from the path, I'll have to leave the path and exit the playing field too. We understand how this operates."

Button asserted, “The issue lies with the rules. If he's aware that to be compliant, his car's front end must lead at the corner's peak, he simply eases off the accelerator and coasts his car into the turn. While he's technically ahead, he fails to properly navigate the corner.”

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