Verstappen vs. Norris in the F1 Miami GP: Why a Penalty Was Needed

Abstract The 2025 Miami Grand Prix provided racing as well as controversy, particularly in the battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. While Norris emerged victorious, several incidents throughout the race raised questions about Verstappen's adherence to the rules. In particular to Article 2(b), Chapter IV of Appendix L of the 2025 International Sporting Code, regarding drivers behaviour. This article breaks down key moments from the race using official frames and rules - from the start of Turn 2 on Lap 1, through the clash with Oscar Piastri on Lap 13, to the final battle between Verstappen and Norris on Laps 15 and 17 - and explains why the Race direction should have intervened with a penalty. Turn 2, Lap 1 Clash The most important episode of this article, and the one that triggered all the others in a domino effect, happened at the beginning of the race, when car no. 1 forced the breaking point in turn 1 to maintain the position on car no. 4. This manoeuvre caused ...