Max Verstappen's savage dig at British media post-US GP outrage against Lando Norris - "I have the wrong passport"

Max Verstappen aimed a hilarious dig reacting to the penalty imposed during the 2024 F1 US Grand Prix, hinting at the media's nationality bias. A battle between him and Lando Norris yielded a five-second time penalty for the latter.

The McLaren driver was served with the penalty after he overtook Max Verstappen off the track and did not give the position back. The penalty dropped him to P4 in the race result, in a blow to his hopes of competing for the drivers championship. There was commotion among some members of the media and spectators as many felt that it was the Red Bull driver who pushed Norris off the track and he should have been penalized instead.

This was discussed during one of Verstappen's sim racing tournaments. While discussing something else, he mentioned that rules are meant to be followed, like in F1. Luke Crane then said that the ruckus that was created around Verstappen not getting a penalty, to which he gave a hilarious reply, stating that he has the "wrong passport."

Verstappen: "...and we have to stick by the rules crane, just as we do in F1."

Crane: "Just like you did in COTA! Everyone on about how you didn’t get penalized, you clearly got a 1X as well?"

Verstappen: "I figured out the problem here, I have the wrong passport!"

Some fans found the penalty given to Lando Norris a little difficult to understand. However, he turned into Verstappen while the Red Bull was ahead at the apex. As per the regulations, it was the Dutchman's corner and hence it was Norris who was penalized as he went off the track and took the position.

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McLaren appeal against Lando Norris's penalty after Max Verstappen's P3 finish

Shortly after passing Max Verstappen, Norris was given the 5-second penalty. While he did manage to build a gap within a very short period, it just wasn't enough for him to stay in position. He dropped a place and finished P4 while the Red Bull driver took the last place on the podium alongside the two Ferrari drivers.

McLaren has now submitted a "Right for Review" request and the FIA will be hearing its appeal during the weekend in Mexico.

Even a single point could be crucial for Lando Norris in the title fight with Max Verstappen. Although the former has been performing better in the McLaren than the RBR in recent races, the Dutchman was able to build a significant gap early in the season. He is seemingly on the way to winning his fourth title, while Norris would have to win all the upcoming races and hope for Verstappen to finish out of the top 5.