Furious McLaren seek to overturn Lando Norris penalty after US Grand Prix controversy
McLaren will attempt to overturn Lando Norris’ controversial demotion from last weekend’s US Grand Prix at a hearing before the stewards on Friday.
Norris was given a five-second time penalty for overtaking Max Verstappen off track in Austin, a penalty that meant he lost a place after finishing third. Verstappen instead took the final podium place and extended his championship lead over Norris to 57 points, of which 146 were available.
McLaren was furious and believed that Verstappen only took the lead at the top of Turn 12 because he braked too late, knowing he could cross the white lines with impunity.
Immediately afterwards, Norris said the stewards had made their decision ‘hastily’ and that his position should have been heard prior to their judgement. He also accused the panel, which also included former British racer Derek Warwick, of inconsistency.
“We believe there is an important and new element that was not available to us at the time the decision was made,” a McLaren spokesperson said in a statement.
Lando Norris received a five-second time penalty for overtaking Max Verstappen off the track
Norris is said to have illegally overtaken Verstappen in the final phase of the race
‘We have submitted the relevant paperwork to the FIA and will make no further comment while this process is ongoing.
“We have the utmost respect for the FIA and the stewards for the difficult work they do and appreciate the open and collaborative relationship we maintain with them.”
An FIA statement issued on Thursday, ahead of this weekend’s race in Mexico City, confirmed that McLaren is not letting the matter rest.
‘The stewards have received a petition from McLaren for a right of review in accordance with Article 14 of the FIA International Sporting Code, in relation to the decision of the stewards, document 69, breach of Article 33.3 in relation to car 4 ( Norris ),’ the FIA said.
‘The team representative must attend a video conference with the stewards on Friday, October 25 at 2:30 PM Mexican time (9:30 PM BST) regarding the above.
‘Any other ‘interested party’ may request permission from the stewards to appear. It should be noted that this hearing will consist of two parts. The first part will consist of hearing evidence on whether there is a ‘significant and relevant new element that was not available to the party seeking review at the time of the relevant decision.’
Max Verstappen said after the American Grand Prix that Norris and McLaren ‘complain a lot’
‘If the Stewards, in accordance with Article 14.3, determine (in their sole discretion) that such an element exists, a second part of the hearing will be convened at a time to be determined.’
The same stewards as in Austin, chaired by experienced Australian official Garry Connelly, will hear the right to review.
Verstappen’s Red Bull team has been formally notified of the hearing and is expected to be represented.