McLaren Challenges FIA Decision: Right of Review Requested Over Norris’s Penalty at US Grand Prix

In a bold move that could alter the landscape of the 2024 Formula 1 Championship, McLaren has officially filed a request for a right of review with the FIA, contesting the five-second time penalty imposed on Lando Norris during the United States Grand Prix. The penalty was issued after Norris was deemed to have gained an advantage by overtaking Max Verstappen off the track, a decision that saw him drop from third to fourth place, costing him valuable points in the title race.

The incident in question occurred during a heated battle between Norris and Verstappen as they fought for the final podium spot. Norris, who had launched a pass around the outside of Verstappen at Turn 12, was forced wide as both drivers veered off track. While Verstappen maintained his position, the stewards penalized Norris for gaining an advantage, a decision that many found controversial. McLaren’s Team President, Andrea Stella, expressed frustration, stating that the penalty was an unwelcome interference in what had been a thrilling display of competitive racing.

Initially, Stella and McLaren were hesitant to seek a review, citing the lack of new evidence. However, the team has now reversed its stance, announcing that they have uncovered new information that was not available at the time of the decision. In a statement, McLaren confirmed, “We believe there is a significant and new element that was unavailable to us at the time the decision was made. We have submitted the relevant paperwork with the FIA and will issue no further comment while this process is ongoing.”

The right of review process, which is set to be considered on Friday via video conference in Mexico, will determine if this new evidence is substantial enough to warrant a re-examination of the stewards’ ruling. If the appeal is successful, a subsequent hearing will be scheduled to reassess the penalty and potentially reverse the results, which could lead to a six-point swing—three points taken from Verstappen and three points added to Norris’s tally. This shift could be crucial as the season draws to a close, with every point making a difference in the fight for the championship.

Lando Norris, speaking to the media ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, reiterated his disagreement with the penalty, asserting that he was no longer the attacking driver when the incident occurred. “I was completely ahead of Max approaching the apex, and he only stayed ahead because he went off track,” said Norris. “He wouldn’t have been ahead if he braked where he should have and stayed on the track. I still disagree with the penalty, and as a team, we stand by our view.”

Norris’s comments echo the sentiment that the FIA’s decision-making lacks consistency, a recurring criticism among drivers and teams. The stewards’ ruling drew comparisons to previous incidents involving similar maneuvers, particularly those involving George Russell and Valtteri Bottas, where different outcomes were observed. Norris emphasized the need for clarity in the rules and called for a more driver-centric approach to stewarding, where the intent behind actions is better understood.

“I think it’s very difficult to steward such things because every case is different,” Norris continued. “You need to know the intent of drivers. I don’t want rules for absolutely everything, but the way my penalty was handled didn’t make sense to me. It’s clear what his [Verstappen’s] intentions were, and it’s difficult to navigate around that.”

The request for a right of review has also brought back memories of Mercedes’ attempt to challenge a decision at the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix, where onboard footage became a focal point of their appeal against Verstappen. Although Mercedes’ case was ultimately dismissed, McLaren’s decision to pursue a review suggests they believe this time there is new, critical information that could sway the stewards.

As the F1 world waits for the outcome of the review, questions remain about whether McLaren’s appeal will lead to a precedent-setting decision or if it will fall flat, as past attempts have. What is certain is that this development has added another layer of intrigue to an already thrilling season, with Norris, Verstappen, and other championship contenders heading into the final races determined to make every point count.

Regardless of the outcome, McLaren’s actions underline a larger issue within the sport—the ongoing debate over consistent stewarding and the need for clear, enforceable guidelines that ensure fair competition. With the stakes higher than ever, fans and teams alike will be eagerly watching how this unfolds, as any change in the ruling could have a significant impact on the championship standings.

The decision on McLaren’s appeal is scheduled to be made ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, and the outcome could set the tone for how similar incidents are handled in the future. For now, all eyes are on the FIA and their ability to deliver a fair and transparent resolution to this contentious issue.