Jenson Button: Lando Norris ‘Definitely Hurt’ Verstappen’s Chances in Mexico City Qualifying
Jenson Button believes Lando Norris hindered Max Verstappen during the qualifying session for the Mexico City Grand Prix. Verstappen's bid for pole was disrupted by Norris and teammate Isack Hadjar, affecting his final lap performance.
Jenson Button has shared his thoughts on the qualifying incident at the Mexico City Grand Prix involving McLaren's Lando Norris and Red Bull's Max Verstappen. Both drivers were set to start on the third row of the grid, with Verstappen initially qualifying fourth and Norris sixth. However, Verstappen's one-place penalty from a separate FP2 incident meant he would start fifth.
The penalty was a result of Verstappen and Liam Lawson tangling on preparation laps, causing each to receive a grid drop. This minor reshuffle allowed Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli to start from fourth. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton secured his first pole position with Ferrari, making him the oldest polesitter in Formula 1 since 1982.
Button pointed out that it was Norris' position on track that disrupted Verstappen's attempt for pole during Q3. Verstappen had set a competitive time in the first sector but was hindered by Norris and teammate Isack Hadjar going slowly into the stadium section. Button explained on Sky Sports F1 that while Norris may not have directly affected Verstappen's downforce, his slow presence in the braking zone disrupted Verstappen's line and braking point.
Verstappen, who had a strong first sector, eventually locked up at Turn 13, ruining his lap and leaving him with a fourth-place time of 1:16.692. Hamilton, on the other hand, managed a 1:16.514, securing pole. Verstappen was left frustrated, claiming Norris’ positioning prevented him from braking where he wanted to, essentially costing him a shot at pole position.
Despite McLaren's attempts to avoid impeding Verstappen by calling Norris into the pits, the timing was too late as Verstappen was already on a flying lap. Norris was informed of Verstappen's approach only when it was too late to adjust his position adequately.
The incident not only affected Verstappen's qualifying but also sparked discussion about the ongoing challenges drivers face when navigating through slower traffic in critical moments. Button's analysis underscores the delicate balance required during qualifying sessions, where even minor disruptions can have significant consequences.