Lando Norris believes Formula One title rival Max Verstappen “got what he expected” after his on-track behavior was severely punished by race stewards at the Mexican Grand Prix.

As the Red Bull Racing driver struggled for pace, he fell from the lead into the clutches of third-placed Norris and on lap 10 the Brit made his move.

Unlike the controversial incident a week earlier in Austin, Norris made sure his front axle was ahead of Verstappen's at the apex of Turn 4, meaning he had to be given racing space.

However, Verstappen drove to the white line and pushed Norris off the track. The McLaren driver mowed the grass and gained position off the track, but was soon forced to take evasive action as Verstappen ran wildly at Norris at Turn 8, forcing both drivers off the track again and reclaiming second place.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

In both cases, Verstappen received a 10-second penalty – the first for pushing another driver off the track and the second for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.

“I don’t think I have to say much,” Norris said. “I think it's pretty self-explanatory what happened.

“I did everything I was told in terms of the rules and guidelines and all those things, but it just wasn't meant to be and of course he got some penalties for that.”

On the lengths he believes Verstappen would go to to overturn his title challenge, Norris added: “I go into every race expecting a tough fight with Max.”

“It is clear that it doesn't matter whether he wins or comes second, his only job is to beat me in the race and he will sacrifice himself for that as he did today (Sunday).

“But I want to have good fights with him. I want to have those tough fights like I've experienced many times before. But fair.

“It will always be at stake. It will always be difficult with Max. It won't make anyone's life easier, especially not mine at this point in the year. But I think today was just… It wasn't a fair, clean race and that's why I think he got what he expected.”

Ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, discussions will take place between the FIA, the Single Seater Commission and the Grand Prix Drivers' Association to discuss possible changes to the rules of engagement guidelines.

These will then be discussed with the drivers in Qatar before potentially being implemented for this weekend and the season finale in Abu Dhabi.