McLaren has attempted to overturn the verdict of the penalty handed out to Lando Norris during the United States Grand Prix in Austin, a sanction that saw him slip from third to fourth in favour of Max Verstappen. After a thorough review, however, the FIA has rejected the request for review put forward by the British team, arguing that there was no new and relevant element that justified a re-examination of the case. Despite the attempt of Andrea Stella and Randeep Singh, who represented the Woking team at the hearing in Mexico City, the Federation maintained its position.
The Penalty That Deprived Norris of a Podium in Austin
The crux of the controversy was the overtaking move between Norris and Verstappen at Turn 12, with the Dutchman forcing the Briton to go beyond the limits of the track. The stewards penalised Norris for completing the overtaking move in the escape road, stating that the McLaren driver was not completely alongside Verstappen at the apex of the corner. This verdict had a heavy impact on the final standings, depriving Norris of a podium finish in Austin.
McLaren's thesis and the objection to the FIA
According to McLaren, Norris was not attacking Verstappen but defending a position he had already gained just before the corner. The British team believes that the Dutchman's behavior was an attempt to regain the position, forcing Norris off the track. McLaren's interpretation of the rules is based on the principle that, having passed Verstappen before the corner, Norris should not have given the position back.
The hearing and the final decision
The hearing took place on Thursday evening in Mexico City. In addition to McLaren representatives, Jonathan Wheatley for Red Bull and Nikolas Tombazis for the FIA were present, with the stewards connected via video conference. McLaren argued that the fact that Norris was ahead of Verstappen before the apex was sufficient to open a review procedure. However, the stewards rejected the request, confirming that there was no new evidence capable of supporting the Woking team's claim.
The official statement from the commissioners
Here is what is reported in the official communication of the FIA regarding the decision to reject the review:
“McLaren appears to argue that the stewards’ conclusion that ‘Car 4 (Norris) was not level with Car 1 (Verstappen) at the apex’ of Turn 12 is an error, as Car 4 had overtaken Car 1 before the apex, and that this error is a new element. This is untenable as a review request is made to correct an error made in reaching a decision. Any new element, to be considered a new element, must demonstrate that error.”
The Federation reiterated that an error of interpretation by the stewards does not constitute a new element. Rather, decisive and significant evidence must emerge that was not available at the time of the original decision. The review was therefore denied, putting an end to the matter and upholding the sanction imposed on Norris.
The FIA's decision thus closes the case of the Austin GP, leaving the standings unchanged with Verstappen maintaining third place.
