The Woking team had initially shown no intention of appealing the penalty handed down to Lando Norris during the United States Grand Prix. However, on the eve of the race weekend in Mexico, McLaren decided to change strategy by asking the FIA to review the five-second penalty received by the British driver.
The duel and the FIA's decision
Lando Norris was penalised for overtaking Max Verstappen outside of track limits at Turn 12 of the Circuit of the Americas. Verstappen and Norris were locked in a duel for third place in the closing stages of the race. Norris's manoeuvre was deemed illegal by the stewards. According to the FIA, the Dutchman was ahead at the apex. This led to the decision to award the penalty to Norris, judging that the Briton had gained an advantage from the excursion.
McLaren asks for the penalty to be reviewed
After initially accepting the verdict, McLaren has decided to lodge a formal complaint with the FIA, claiming it has a “significant new element” that could overturn the decision. If this element is accepted as valid by the stewards, it would open up the possibility of reviewing the penalty and, consequently, the final result of the race. The Woking team is aiming for a reduction in the penalty, which would return Norris to third place, reducing Verstappen’s standings gap over Norris and strengthening McLaren’s position in the Constructors’ Championship.
The FIA procedure for the revision
Today at 14:30 p.m. local time (22:30 p.m. GMT), McLaren will present the new evidence during a video conference with the Mexican Grand Prix stewards. The hearing will take place in two phases. The new evidence will first be assessed to determine whether it is relevant. If approved, a second phase will be held to discuss whether Norris' penalty should be reduced or revoked.
The Importance of the Verdict
The verdict could affect as many as 6 points in the Drivers' championship and as many in the Constructors'. If Norris were to be reinstated in third place, Verstappen's gap over him would drop to 51 points instead of 57. And McLaren would see its advantage over Ferrari increase to 52 points.
