In a bold move, McLaren has officially petitioned the FIA for a review of the penalty slapped on Lando Norris after his nail-biting battle with Max Verstappen at the US Grand Prix. This intense clash over the final podium spot at Circuit of the Americas left fans and the F1 paddock in an uproar over the state of racing regulations. With Norris handed a five-second penalty that ultimately cost him third place, McLaren is demanding clarity and consistency from the sport’s governing body.
On lap 52 of the Austin race, Norris’s McLaren and Verstappen’s Red Bull found themselves locked in a fierce duel. The scuffle took both drivers off the track, leading Norris to complete his overtake off-road—a move Verstappen instantly flagged on team radio, declaring, “Overtook me outside the track.” Many spectators, however, sided with Norris, arguing that Verstappen forced the McLaren driver off-course. With the FIA enforcing a slew of similar penalties throughout the weekend, the inconsistency in regulations has become a flashpoint among teams and pundits alike.
In response to the stewards’ call at COTA, McLaren is invoking Article 14 of the FIA International Sporting Code. This “Right of Review” petition challenges the decision from the US Grand Prix, citing Article 33.3 of the Formula One Sporting Regulations, which governs track limits and overtaking conduct. The team argues that the stewards may have overlooked crucial details in assessing the incident.
FIA representatives have confirmed a video conference with McLaren scheduled for October 25, 2024, at 2:30 PM Mexico time, just ahead of the Mexican GP. The hearing will be divided into two stages: the first to determine whether McLaren has uncovered “significant and relevant new evidence” not available during the initial review. If so, a second hearing will be arranged to assess the merit of this fresh information.
The Turn 12 controversy has also sparked calls for potential track modifications, with experts advocating changes at COTA to avoid similar disputes in the future. As the FIA prepares to consider McLaren’s appeal, the outcome could have far-reaching implications, setting a precedent for how racing incidents are judged in Formula 1 going forward. For now, all eyes turn to Mexico, where the McLaren-FIA showdown will add an extra layer of tension to the weekend’s racing.
