Explained: Why Max Verstappen was given two 10-second penalties during the F1 Mexican GP

The FIA on Sunday handed Max Verstappen two 10-second time penalties for breaching Formula 1's racing rules. As per reports, the Red Bull star received the penalties for forcing another driver off the track and gaining an unfair advantage by leaving the track.

Verstappen was involved an on-track skirmish against Lando Norris, because of which he incurred the penalties. This comes right after the 2024 United States Grand Prix, where the Red Bull driver narrowly avoided penalties for a similar on-track scuffle with Norris.

However, there was no escape for the Dutchman this time around. Verstappen incurred the two massive time penalties within a short span, while attempting to overtake three drivers simultaneously, particularly Norris.

It was Lap 10 of 71, when Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc were all vying for the race lead. Verstappen who started his race from P2, overtook Sainz in Lap 1, and sensing an opportunity, the latter used the DRS and slipstream to reclaim his place.

Sainz's sudden approach temporarily unsettled Verstappen. Seeing the Red Bull at a disadvantageous position, Norris tried to overtake on the outside and aimed for P2. However, Verstappen wasn't ready to surrender.

Seeing Norris side-by-side, Verstappen shoved him off the track. The skirmish between Verstappen and Norris didn't end there, as the three-time world champion went wide and snatched his place back from the #4 driver.

In a nutshell, Verstappen forced Norris out of the racetrack, and on the same lap, left the track to return to his earlier place. The Stewards noted both incidents and handed the Dutch driver two 10-second time penalties.

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Max Verstappen made a brilliant recovery

Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 at the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico (Source: Getty Images)

Despite incurring a substantial 20-second time penalty, Max Verstappen staged a remarkable comeback from behind to finish P6 in the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The Dutchman made his first pit stop, served his 20-second penalty, switched to hard compound tires, and re-entered the race in P13. However, through a series of brilliant overtakes and masterful racecraft, he managed to climb up to P6.

Thanks to his P6, Verstappen was able to limit the damage done in the F1 drivers' championship battle against Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc.