Max Verstappen avoided questions about the two 10-second penalties he received during the Mexico Grand Prix after an intense battle with Lando Norris. Starting from second, Verstappen took the lead but was soon passed by Carlos Sainz on Lap 9, setting up a battle for second place with Norris.

When Norris attempted to overtake at Turn 4, Verstappen forced him wide, sending him across the grass. Both drivers had an off-track moment at Turn 8, which allowed Charles Leclerc to pass them both. Verstappen was later handed a 10-second penalty for the incident at Turn 4, and shortly after, he received another for leaving the track at Turn 8. In total, he was assessed a 20-second penalty, which was served during his pit stop.

Despite dropping down the order, Verstappen fought his way back up and ultimately finished sixth, while Norris claimed second, reducing Verstappen's lead to 47 points. When asked about the penalties, Verstappen noted, “At the end of the day, whether you agree or not, the penalties are given. But honestly, that wasn’t my biggest problem today; we just had no pace. I struggled a lot on the tires and couldn’t keep up with Ferrari and McLaren.”

When further asked about the lack of pace, Verstappen answered, “I knew it was going to be tough. It never felt great, so I was aware it would be hard to defend.” As for any changes he might make going forward after the penalties, Verstappen quipped, “Maybe I’ll grab a drink in the pit stop! The engine was off for 20 seconds, so I had plenty of time.”

Although Verstappen remains at the top of the drivers' standings, the outcome in Mexico has allowed Ferrari to move up in the constructors' standings.