The 2024 United States Grand Prix witnessed a contentious flashpoint between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, with McLaren team principal Andrea Stella accusing the FIA stewards of “inappropriate interference” after Norris was handed a five-second penalty that ultimately cost him a podium finish.
The pivotal moment came on Lap 52 at the Circuit of the Americas, where Norris, running on fresher tires, launched an attack on Verstappen in a bid for third place. Despite getting a better exit out of Turn 11, the McLaren driver’s overtaking attempt at Turn 12 saw both cars run wide off the track. Verstappen, defending his position, appeared to brake late, pushing both drivers beyond track limits.
After reviewing the incident, the FIA stewards ruled that Norris gained an advantage by overtaking Verstappen off the track, issuing a five-second penalty that dropped him from third to fourth after the chequered flag—a decision that left McLaren fuming.
Stella Slams the Stewards
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the race, McLaren’s Andrea Stella didn’t hold back, criticizing the stewards for their handling of the incident.
“My view is the way the stewards interfered with a beautiful piece of motorsport was inappropriate,” Stella said. “Both cars went off track, so both cars gained an advantage. It’s a shame because it cost us a podium and a race where we stayed patient after we were pushed off on the first lap and first corner.”
Stella’s frustration was further fueled by the fact that the decision could not be appealed, forcing the team to accept the penalty. “We accepted it. Having said that, very clearly our position, this kind of decision cannot be appealed. This chapter is now closed, and we move onto the next race.”
Verstappen vs. Norris: A Race of Flashpoints
The battle between Verstappen and Norris wasn’t limited to just Lap 52. From the very start of the race, Verstappen, known for his aggressive racecraft, forced his way down the inside into Turn 1, pushing Norris wide and dropping him from pole to fourth. Charles Leclerc capitalized on the chaos to take the lead, while Norris found himself on the back foot.
Later in the race, as Norris mounted a late charge on Verstappen, the two went wheel-to-wheel once again. With both drivers going off track at Turn 12, Norris completed the overtake but was swiftly penalized for it, while Verstappen escaped without any sanctions—a decision that left both McLaren and their driver perplexed.
Norris Left Frustrated
Norris expressed his own confusion over the penalty, pointing to inconsistencies in the stewards’ decisions throughout the race. Earlier, George Russell was handed a penalty for running Valtteri Bottas off the road, while Verstappen faced no such reprimand despite a similar incident with Norris on Lap 1.
“It’s impossible to know. They obviously can’t make their minds up for a few laps,” Norris told Sky Sports F1. “So, it’s obviously not an easy decision, otherwise it would have come a bit sooner. He [Verstappen] also went off the track. So, if he goes off the track, clearly he’s gone in way too hard and also gained an advantage by doing what he did. But I don’t make the rules.”
A Podium Snatched Away
Norris had shown tremendous pace in the closing stages of the race and was poised for a strong podium finish after his early setback. However, the five-second penalty relegated him to fourth, while Verstappen claimed the final spot on the podium. The penalty, combined with Verstappen’s aggressive driving, left the McLaren driver and team questioning the fairness of the decisions made during the race.
The controversial penalty has reignited the debate over Formula 1’s racing guidelines and the stewards’ role in determining the outcome of on-track battles. With just a handful of races remaining in the 2024 season, tensions are sure to escalate as the championship fight heats up.
