After the United States Grand Prix, Ferrari’s top two finish was eclipsed by the duel between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. While some argue about the fairness of Verstappen’s move, the media seems to defend his actions at the Circuit of the Americas.
The international press had a lot to say about Sunday’s events. Let’s dive into how different countries reacted.
UK Perspective: Daily Mail
The Daily Mail highlighted Norris’s hesitation during a crucial overtake by Verstappen on Lap 1. They criticized Norris for giving Verstappen too much room, saying, “What you can’t do is offer a title rival like Max Verstappen the freedom of Texas and expect to beat him.” They described Verstappen as someone who doesn’t miss such opportunities, likening him to threading a needle with brute force.
Germany’s Take: Bild
Bild focused on the intense battle between Verstappen and Norris. They praised Verstappen for his strategic moves, awarding him high marks just behind Charles Leclerc. The paper noted that even though he didn’t win, he cleverly managed his position against Norris. On the flip side, they critiqued Norris for dropping from P1 to P4 quickly and not defending his position better.
Fans might wonder if Norris will learn from this experience and come back stronger next time.
Dutch Viewpoint: De Telegraph
De Telegraph titled their piece “Max Verstappen third in Austin after blood-curdling battle with penalised Lando Norris.” They pointed out that despite having a tougher race than expected, Verstappen showcased his skills brilliantly. He made a bold move against Norris right at the start, benefiting both Ferrari drivers as well. The organizers didn’t penalize his maneuver despite complaints from Norris.
Italy’s Focus: La Gazzetta dello Sport
In Italy, attention turned more towards Ferrari’s performance. The newspaper called their finish ‘crazy’ and applauded Charles Leclerc for his driving prowess. They also praised Ferrari’s strategy that helped Sainz secure P2 without needing to overtake Red Bull directly. Meanwhile, they described Norris as naive for losing positions so quickly against Verstappen.
What do you think? Should Norris have played it differently?
