Max Verstappen has responded defiantly to McLaren’s frustration after Lando Norris received a five-second penalty during a heated battle at the US Grand Prix. The penalty, handed down for Norris passing Verstappen off-track at Turn 12, cost Norris a third-place finish and tightened Verstappen’s grip on the championship, with the Red Bull driver now leading by 57 points with just five races left.

McLaren, led by team principal Andrea Stella, voiced strong displeasure with the decision, arguing that both Norris and Verstappen had gone off-track during the overtake. Stella claimed, “We’ve reviewed the footage multiple times, and it’s clear that Max forced Lando off, making it impossible for him to complete the pass legally.”

However, Verstappen, who remained unfazed by the uproar, dismissed McLaren’s complaints. “They’ve been complaining a lot lately,” Verstappen said. “But the rules are clear—if you’re outside the white line, you cannot pass. I’ve been penalized for that before as well.”

This isn’t the only controversy brewing between the two teams. Earlier in the weekend, McLaren brought up concerns over a mysterious device on the Red Bull, which they claim could alter the car’s front bib under parc fermé conditions. This accusation adds fuel to the rivalry, as Red Bull had previously raised suspicions over McLaren’s use of a potentially flexing rear wing during the Baku GP.

As the title fight intensifies, Verstappen was quick to dismiss McLaren’s tactics and accusations. “We’re just focused on racing. If they want to complain about every little thing, that’s their choice. But we’re not going to let that distract us,” Verstappen stated.

Norris, meanwhile, expressed his disappointment, calling the penalty a “momentum 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁er,” while McLaren continues to push for clarity in how the regulations are enforced. The debate over the US GP incident and its interpretation is likely to resurface in the upcoming round in Mexico.