Just In: FIA announce official verdict over McLaren…read more
FIA announce official verdict over McLaren…read more
The FIA recently addressed McLaren’s petition for a Right of Review following an incident at the United States Grand Prix involving Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. The clash, which centered on a contentious five-second penalty issued to Norris for allegedly gaining an advantage off-track, had raised questions within the McLaren team about the fairness of the decision.
The U.S. Grand Prix saw fierce competition as Norris and Verstappen fought for a podium finish behind the leading Ferraris. Norris, who finished fourth behind Verstappen, received the penalty after being deemed to have overtaken Verstappen by going off the track, though McLaren claimed the British driver was pushed off by Verstappen’s aggressive style. Both drivers defended their actions, but McLaren felt the ruling was unjust and filed an appeal before the Mexican Grand Prix.
The FIA convened a hearing to review McLaren’s Right of Review request, following Article 14 of the FIA International Sporting Code, which allows for a review if significant and relevant new information arises. McLaren argued that the stewards’ written decision contained an error, specifically a statement claiming Norris was not level with Verstappen at the apex, further suggesting Norris had overtaken Verstappen by the braking zone. McLaren’s team principal Andrea Stella described the team’s argument as a “legally sophisticated explanation.” Red Bull’s representative, Jonathan Wheatley, pointed out the high standard required for a successful Right of Review, adding that proving such a new element is typically very challenging.
The FIA stewards weighed McLaren’s submission alongside previous cases, including McLaren’s own Right of Review request in Canada 2023 and similar appeals by Aston Martin and Ferrari earlier in the season. Ultimately, they focused on whether McLaren’s evidence met the necessary criteria of relevance and novelty, as required for a Right of Review.
The FIA’s final statement declared that McLaren’s claim of an error in the original decision did not qualify as a new, significant, and relevant element under the rules. Consequently, the petition was denied, and the original penalty for Norris was upheld, leaving the McLaren team with no further options to contest the outcome.
This decision closed the door on McLaren’s appeal and allowed both teams to shift focus back to the championship as they headed into the Mexican Grand Prix.
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