Button slams Verstappen's tactics, calls for tighter rules

Jenson Button criticises Max Verstappen’s on-track tactics, urging Formula 1 to introduce stricter regulations for fairer racing.

Jenson Button believes the rules governing on-track battles leave too much room for interpretation, allowing drivers like Max Verstappen to exploit them. The 2009 F1 World Champion has dismissed Christian Horner’s arguments, who told Sky that Verstappen adhered to the track limits, unlike Lando Norris.

“It was a tough battle between them,” said Horner. “They went off the track, and Lando exceeded the circuit limits – the rules are very, very clear. Max was very direct on the radio, and the race director was clear as well. You can see he went off the track, and it’s clear he was off.”

Button, however, does not accept the argument that a driver must be ahead at the apex to claim the corner. He points out that it’s very easy to be in front at the apex by simply not braking enough – something Verstappen did on the first lap and again towards the end of the race in Austin.

In response to Horner, Button didn’t hold back, emphasising that Verstappen often employs such tactics: “Both guys went off the track! It’s frustrating for us as spectators because Lando overtook off the track, but Max also went off, and it all depends on who’s ahead at the apex.”

“Max was ahead, but is that because he released the brake at the apex and forced both drivers off the track? It seems your driver is very good at understanding the rules, but the real issue is that we need clearer regulations about what’s acceptable and what isn’t.”

“Better racing” with new rules

The Briton also acknowledges that the Austin circuit exacerbates the issue but suggests there are regulatory solutions: “We’ve seen it with many on-track battles at that corner. Drivers overtaking, positioning themselves on the inside, and pushing the other driver off the track.”

“If this were Monaco, they wouldn’t be doing that. We need a rule stating that you can’t force another car entirely off the track, and I think that would lead to better racing, avoiding the need for continuous debates on the matter.”

However, Horner remains firm in his stance, insisting that his driver understands the regulations and uses them to his advantage in battles with rivals: “At the end of the day, the rules are the rules. The drivers know them and race accordingly.”

“Max was fully aware that as soon as Lando crossed the white line, went off the track, and made an overtake, it was illegal. He was quick to communicate that over the radio. I think before that, there were track limits as well, so a lot was happening in that moment.”

Horner expected Norris to give the position back for another attack: “In hindsight, considering how these situations unfold, yes, I would have done that. You could see the pace advantage Lando had.”

“And there would always have been doubts over the move. For us, it was a sure thing. So, why take the risk? With that speed advantage, he could easily have waited another lap and likely made the move from the inside rather than the outside.”