Lando Norris and McLaren ‘complain A LOT’, says Max Verstappen – after Red Bull star finished ahead of title rival at the US Grand Prix following penalty

Max Verstappen has defended his defensive tactics in Sunday’s US Grand Prix, accusing Lando Norris’s McLaren team of ‘complaining a lot lately’.

Verstappen extended his championship lead to 57 points after Norris was demoted to fourth, a place behind the Dutchman, after serving a five-second penalty for overtaking him off the track.

Norris accused the stewards of ‘rushing’ their decision, and McLaren team principal Andrea Stella added: ‘The defending car (Verstappen) goes straight at the apex. Max is off the track as much as Lando is, giving Lando no chance to complete the manoeuvre.

‘How many times has Max used this way to defend? Both go off track and both are gaining an advantage. If there is an advantage gained it was at least neutral.’

McLaren also voiced concerns about an in-car device that allows Red Bull to adjust their cars’ ride height, implying it has been used in contradiction of the rule forbidding modifications between qualifying and the race. Red Bull deny using it in this way.

Verstappen (pictured) is leading the way in the race to win the drivers championship at the end of the season

Norris was adjudged to have overtaken Verstappen illegally in the closing stages of Sunday’s race

Verstappen hit back, saying: ‘They complain a lot lately. But it is very clear and it is in the rules: if you are outside the white line you cannot pass. I’ve been penalised for that in the past, too.’

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner added: ‘It was crystal clear the pass was made off the track so Lando should have given the place back. It was a slam dunk.’

Formula One travels to Mexico City this weekend with 146 points available across the concluding five races.