Unheard radio from title rivals’ latest fight · RaceFans

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris came to blows on-track for the second weekend in a row at the United States Grand Prix.

Their controversial lap 10 clash ultimately meant both drivers spent most of the race well apart from each other, each trying to salvage the best from the time lost early on. Here’s how their races unfolded on their radios.

Verstappen and Norris’ Mexican GP radio messages

Start, Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, 2024

Verstappen beat pole-winner Carlos Sainz Jnr to turn one and forced him off the track at the exit. When Sainz rejoined in front of him, Verstappen was quick to point out the position should be his, and Sainz duly let him by.

The Safety Car was deployed soon afterwards due to the collision between Yuki Tsunoda and Alexander Albon. Verstappen kept his lead at the restart, but couldn’t shake Sainz off:

Lap: 1/71 VER: 1’45.059, NOR: 1’49.304
VerstappenI was ahead.
LambiaseYep, understood.
Lap: 6/71 VER: 2’04.357, NOR: 2’01.270
LambiaseSafety Car in pit lane.
Lap: 7/71 VER: 1’21.442, NOR: 1’21.885
LambiaseThink about your bias offset. Currently minus one.
LambiaseSo will be mode four, mode four exit turn 11.
LambiaseGap 1.5.

Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, 2024

Verstappen offered no defence when Sainz passed him shortly after the restart, but got his elbows out when Norris tried to take second place off him. The stewards took a dim view, eventually handing him a pair of 10-second penalties:

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Lap: 8/71 VER: 1’21.475, NOR: 1’21.724
LambiaseGap 1.0.JosephDRS enabled.
LambiaseDRS enabled.
LambiaseHas DRS.
Lap: 9/71 VER: 1’24.027, NOR: 1’22.413
LambiaseGap 0.8.JosephLeclerc will have DRS.
LambiaseAnd mode seven.
Lap: 10/71 VER: 1’24.675, NOR: 1’24.863
JosephLando, Max is complaining about a lack of battery so maybe try [message cuts out].
NorrisI was ahead the whole way through the corner.
JosephUnderstood. We’re looking at it now.
NorrisThis guy is dangerous. I just had to avoid a crash. It’s the same as last time, mate.
JosephYep we’re on it, mate.
NorrisI’m going to end up in a wall in a minute.
NorrisYeah, but it’s two different incidents.
Lap: 11/71 VER: 1’21.710, NOR: 1’22.047
LambiaseInside DRS.JosephWe understand Lando. Two separate incidents. Hamilton will have DRS behind.
NorrisYep. He overtook off the track and pushed off the track.
JosephYep. Suggest strat 10.
JosephLando the turn eight incident has been noted.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull, Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, 2024

McLaren kept Norris apprised of the stewards’ decisions on Verstappen’s driving:

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Lap: 12/71 VER: 1’21.712, NOR: 1’21.803
LambiaseMode six, mode six.JosephSuggest using left-hand toggle turn one, turn four.
JosephPush-and-hold available.
Lap: 13/71 VER: 1’21.884, NOR: 1’21.935
LambiaseGap 1.1. Does not have DRS.JosephOkay Lando the turn four one has also been noted. And the turn eight one. So both turn eight and turn four are under investigation.
Lap: 14/71 VER: 1’21.758, NOR: 1’21.988
LambiaseSo Max, for info, you’ve been given a 10-second penalty for forcing Lando off-track at turn four. So head down.JosephAnd so far, Verstappen’s been given a 10-second penalty. I’m not sure which one yet.
VerstappenTen? That’s quite impressive.
LambiaseThere was a lot of whingeing. A lot.
Lap: 15/71 VER: 1’22.051, NOR: 1’22.146
LambiaseGap at 1.2.
VerstappenMy left-rear’s not very good. I don’t know with the others how they look.
LambiaseUnderstood.
Lap: 16/71 VER: 1’22.080, NOR: 1’21.981
NorrisPace okay I think, just dirty air. A little bit front-limited, high speed.
JosephOkay mate understood. We’re obviously looking ahead to the Ferraris so if you can pass Max safely, take it.
Lap: 17/71 VER: 1’22.017, NOR: 1’22.332
NorrisYeah. At the moment my tyres don’t feel too good honestly. I think the pace is reasonable. Maybe not as good as the Ferraris.
JosephUnderstood. And Lando we think less graining than Friday and your tyres similar to the people ahead.
Lap: 18/71 VER: 1’22.340, NOR: 1’22.271
VerstappenTyres are running super-hot. Can’t lean on the rear.
LambiaseUnderstood, same pace as the leader.
Lap: 20/71 VER: 1’22.357, NOR: 1’22.352
JosephAnd Lando, Verstappen has been given a second 10-second time penalty.
Lap: 21/71 VER: 1’22.325, NOR: 1’22.137
NorrisTyres still not looking very good.
JosephOkay, on our end they look consistent for now. Suggest using strat nine.
Lap: 22/71 VER: 1’22.574, NOR: 1’22.311
LambiaseSo Max, update: You’ve been given another 10-second time penalty. That’s for leaving the track and gaining an advantage at turn eight.NorrisYeah, I agree. I think my pace is better than him, not the Ferrari. Just dirty air’s too bad.
LambiaseAnd Lando how’s the balance? We suggest coming up one for the next tyre.
VerstappenHow about him then in four? That’s fine then? That’s silly, man.

With 20 seconds of penalties hanging over him, Verstappen was in a risky situation if the Safety Car appeared. More pressingly, his tyres were also fading, so Red Bull brought him in, and Norris finally had some clean air ahead:

Lap: 23/71 VER: 1’22.229, NOR: 1’22.290
JosephLando just be careful with that much apex kerb at turn 12.
Lap: 24/71 VER: 1’22.455, NOR: 1’22.062
JosephLando push-hold overtake here.
NorrisI’ve got DRS, all good.
JosephOkay.
Lap: 25/71 VER: 1’22.621, NOR: 1’22.535
LambiaseOkay that’s 0.8.
VerstappenMy tyres are not holding on, guys. It’s getting hard.
Lap: 26/71 VER: 1’25.562, NOR: 1’22.630
Lambiase0.7.
LambiaseSo Max box and pit confirm, box and pit confirm.
LambiaseStrat 12 in pit lane, Max. Can you switch the engine off, P1 and back to P2. I’ll let you know when to fire up.

Norris followed Verstappen soon afterwards, but his rival’s 20-second penalty meant the McLaren driver didn’t have to worry about dropping behind him:

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Lap: 27/71 VER: 2’01.898, NOR: 1’22.185
JosephOkay Lando let’s use this clean air. Gap to Leclerc is 6.8, it’ll be plan A, look to extend.
JosephLast lap Leclerc did a 22.3.
Lap: 28/71 VER: 1’22.325, NOR: 1’22.676
JosephLando, minor, white H4 position four. Leclerc struggling a bit, did a 22.7.
NorrisYeah, it’s not much better now for me either, so.
Lap: 29/71 VER: 1’22.280, NOR: 1’22.735
JosephLando balance-wise do you think we should add more front wing at the next stop?
NorrisTough to say.
Lap: 30/71 VER: 1’21.252, NOR: 1’26.051
NorrisMy front-left is really fucked. Think I need to box, it’s getting quite a bit worse.
JosephDo you want to do it now, Lando? Lando if you think they’re gone, happy to box this lap.
NorrisExit of turn 16
Box now. Lando pit lane.

Lando Norris, McLaren, Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, 2024

While Verstappen made progress through the midfielders, Norris conserved his pace initially:

Lap: 33/71 VER: 1’21.804, NOR: 1’20.859
LambiaseOkay Max so Hamilton is 6.3 ahead.JosephAnd Lando, Sainz also pitted, and we will have to follow the dash.
LambiaseSo Colapinto head, pace 22.6.NorrisYeah, I’ve got nothing on my dash. It’s fine, it’s fine.
Lap: 34/71 VER: 1’22.154, NOR: 1’20.881
VerstappenI struggle a lot braking into corners. Just no grip.
LambiaseUnderstood, Max.
Lap: 36/71 VER: 1’21.803, NOR: 1’20.703
LambiaseSo Russell 21.6.
VerstappenTyres are not working. They don’t grip.
Lap: 37/71 VER: 1’22.440, NOR: 1’21.008
JosephLando, when ready, gap to Russell the car behind is 14.3.
Lap: 38/71 VER: 1’21.111, NOR: 1’20.868
JosephAnd Lando we’re happy to reduce the amount of [lift-and-coast] into turn one.
Lap: 39/71 VER: 1’21.580, NOR: 1’20.710
LambiaseOkay, so car ahead is Piastri, pace 22.3. Mercedes pace 21.4.NorrisWhat lap time is Charles doing?
LambiaseAnd happy to reduce [lift-and-coast] into turn 12 as well.Joseph20.5.

Several drivers briefly wondered if rain was about to hit the track as a shower passed nearby:

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Lap: 40/71 VER: 1’21.448, NOR: 1’20.845
VerstappenIt’s getting really dark.NorrisYeah I don’t have his pace at the minute.
LambiaseNothing going to hit the track at the moment, Max.JosephHis pace is going up and down. Sometimes 20.8, he did a one-off 20.5.
Lap: 41/71 VER: 1’21.712, NOR: 1’20.768
LambiaseThat’s 31 laps remaining. Main losses turn three and 12.
Lap: 42/71 VER: 1’21.596, NOR: 1’20.451
VerstappenI have no grip.
Lap: 44/71 VER: 1’21.161, NOR: 1’20.385
NorrisWhat time did he do the last couple of laps?
JosephThe last two, 2.5. Lando the gap to Russell is now 18.
Lap: 45/71 VER: 1’21.266, NOR: 1’20.370
JosephAnd Lando there are the smallest of drops in the pit lane but we’re not expecting anything else so don’t worry.
Lap: 46/71 VER: 1’21.284, NOR: 1’20.221
JosephJust be careful of the high late steer lock in turn seven.
NorrisI am.
Lap: 48/71 VER: 1’21.116, NOR: 1’20.443
NorrisWhat time did he do last lap?
Joseph20.5, same as you.

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, 2024

Norris began to close on Leclerc but both drivers encountered delays in traffic as they picked their way past Franco Colapinto, Liam Lawson and Lance Stroll:

Lap: 49/71 VER: 1’21.052, NOR: 1’20.638
JosephLando purple default four nine please. He did a 20.6. Minor purple C3 position three.
NorrisYeah, I need a backmarker out the way.
Lap: 50/71 VER: 1’21.023, NOR: 1’20.545
LambiasePress and hold the overtake, Max. Three seconds.JosephSo Lando those changes we made was such that you could use more fuel. We’re happy from a tyre perspective so less [lift and coast] is okay. The dash will update next time around.
Lap: 51/71 VER: 1’21.160, NOR: 1’20.405
NorrisYeah I’m just losing now.
JosephI know. We can’t do anything unless you get close enough.
Joseph15 laps complete, Max, 21 remaining.
Lap: 52/71 VER: 1’21.119, NOR: 1’20.474
JosephSuggest left-hand paddle through the high speed.
Lap: 54/71 VER: 1’21.218, NOR: 1’20.667
NorrisI don’t know what to do. It’s just ruining my race now. I know I have to get closer, but I can’t.
Lap: 55/71 VER: 1’20.995, NOR: 1’20.398
JosephLando his pace is dropping back. Suggest we use some battery in order to get the blue flags.
JosephAnd minor, white H4, position five.
Lap: 56/71 VER: 1’21.013, NOR: 1’20.509
LambiaseEngine eight, position 12. Engine eight, position 12.
Lap: 57/71 VER: 1’20.902, NOR: 1’20.271
LambiaseEngine nine position one. Engine nine position one.JosephColapinto is being a bit naughty. Push and hold overtake.
LambiaseEngine 11 position five. Engine 11 position five.
LambiaseStrat 11 when you can, strat 11.
Lap: 59/71 VER: 1’21.091, NOR: 1’20.163
JosephPush-hold for DRS.

Over the final third of the race Verstappen was lapping by himself with no realistic chance of catching the Mercedes drivers ahead, even as they lost time fighting each other.

Norris was spared a fight with Leclerc over second place as the Ferrari driver suffered a snap of oversteer at turn 17 on lap 62 and skidded wide, an incident which passed without comment:

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Lap: 60/71 VER: 1’21.052, NOR: 1’20.272
LambiaseMinor, white H2 position one, white H2 position one. That’s attack-defend.
Lap: 61/71 VER: 1’21.332, NOR: 1’20.045
LambiaseSo Max reduce the lift-and-coast. Struggling for rear surface temp.
Lap: 64/71 VER: 1’21.160, NOR: 1’20.494
JosephLooks like the wind speed has increased a bit. Sainz is 7.8, he did a 20.5.
Lap: 65/71 VER: 1’21.247, NOR: 1’20.194
LambiaseAnd you can push the bias rearward as another click if you need to.JosephLando minor, white H2 position three, white H2 position three. So that’s the standard deployment.

Norris held the fastest lap at one stage, then lost it to Lawson, and finally Leclerc pitted to ensure he claimed the bonus point.

Lap: 66/71 VER: 1’21.257, NOR: 1’20.274
LambiaseSo six laps remaining. Gap behind 4.9.JosephFive laps to go. Just be careful with that much kerb in turn four.
JosephSorry Lando correction, it’s five laps after this one, my bad.
Lap: 67/71 VER: 1’21.197, NOR: 1’19.972
JosephPotential debris turn 12 to turn 13. Not sure where. And Lando there is also debris turn two to turn three off-line. For your awareness you currently have the fastest lap.
Lap: 71/71 VER: 1’21.570, NOR: 1’20.363
LambiaseThis is the final lap.JosephLando you can use push-and-hold overtake if you want but Leclerc has pitted to try it.
JosephExit turn three
Push and hold here.

Lando Norris, McLaren, Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, 2024

Having said little over the second half of the race, Verstappen reiterated his concern over his car’s pace, while team principal Christian Horner came on his radio to commiserate:

Chequered flag
LambiaseFail 84 please Max. Hard luck. We’ll have a look at that, particularly that second stint.JosephLando keep recharge off. White H11 position 12. White H11 position 12. Well done, mate.
VerstappenYeah the medium as well felt really shocking.NorrisYeah. Couldn’t have asked for a lot more. It was a good race. Just, yeah, interesting one. Well done, good points everyone, thank you.
HornerA frustrating race today, Max, but you gave it everything. And I thought the penalties were definitely on the harsher side.JosephAnd Lando you will stop the car at turn 13, there will be boards waiting for you there.

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