A controversial five-second penalty for Lando Norris saw the McLaren driver lose ground in his pursuit of Max Verstappen, on a day when Charles Leclerc eased to victory in the United States Grand Prix.

Lando Norris’ championship hopes were dealt a hammer blow after he was handed a controversial five-second penalty to finish behind rival Max Verstappen following a compelling US Grand Prix.

Lando Norris was handed a five-second penalty on the final lap of the US Grand Prix which cost the McLaren driver a podium in Austin. Norris, who started on pole position, dropped down to fourth after the start where F1 title rival Max Verstappen blocked his path to turn one and eventual race winner Charles Leclerc took the lead.