McLaren challenges controversial Lando Norris penalty from US Grand Prix in FIA review ahead of Mexico City GP

McLaren has officially requested a right of review with the FIA over a controversial five-second penalty given to driver Lando Norris during the US Grand Prix. The penalty, issued for Norris’s pass on Max Verstappen while the two battled for a podium position in the closing laps, has sparked considerable debate regarding FIA’s application of rules and the consistency of race stewarding.

The incident occurred on lap 52 as Norris and Verstappen went wheel-to-wheel for third place, with Norris attempting an overtake around the outside at Turn 12. However, Verstappen's defensive move forced Norris wide, causing both cars to leave the track.

The stewards penalized Norris, arguing that he gained an advantage by re-entering ahead of Verstappen. Initially, the FIA considered a 10-second penalty but ultimately chose a five-second penalty, acknowledging Verstappen's role in pushing Norris off track.

Following the race, Lando Norris expressed disappointment, feeling that Max Verstappen’s move forced him into a position that left him with limited options. He described his frustration with the penalty, stating he was “driving like a muppet,” but also pointed out that Verstappen had “clearly pushed me off” and acted “incorrectly” during their tussle. The penalty dropped Norris down the final standings, raising questions about the fairness and consistency of FIA's decisions.

The result could change the title scenarios!

McLaren's petition to review the ruling emphasizes a need for clarity on the incident, with some drivers suggesting that both parties bore responsibility. The team hopes to gain a fairer assessment of the altercation, spotlighting ongoing concerns about race control's consistency in handling on-track battles. This has reignited discussions around the effectiveness of the FIA’s stewarding and has intensified scrutiny as the Formula 1 season heads into the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The FIA has set a two-part hearing for Friday, October 25, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. local time in Mexico City. This will allow McLaren to present new evidence and challenge the penalty, with the potential for a landmark decision on how penalties are issued in competitive overtakes. The result of this review could have significant implications for how future incidents are handled, as both teams and drivers call for clearer guidelines and a more balanced approach to stewarding.