Breaking: FIA Slaps McLaren with Harsh Penalty After Lando Norris C…read more
Hammer Falls: FIA Slaps McLaren with Harsh Penalty After Lando Norris Controversy in Miami Grand Prix
The FIA has come down hard on McLaren following an incident involving Lando Norris during the Miami Grand Prix, delivering a penalty verdict that could have major repercussions for the team’s season.
After an aggressive on-track maneuver by Norris in the early stages of the race — which saw the British driver force another car wide and spark a chain reaction of contact in the midfield — the stewards launched an immediate investigation. Hours later, the verdict was in: McLaren has been handed a significant time penalty and a hefty constructors’ points deduction for failing to manage the situation within the regulations.
In a stinging statement, the FIA ruled that McLaren failed to properly instruct Norris during a critical safety car phase, leading to what it described as “avoidable contact with severe
consequences.” As a result, Norris drops out of the points in the final classification, while McLaren loses valuable ground in the Constructors’ Championship.
“This is a tough one to take,” Norris admitted. “I was pushing hard, but I respect the decision. It wasn’t intentional, but the outcome wasn’t good, and I’ll learn from it.”
Team principal Andrea Stella expressed frustration but accepted the ruling. “We don’t agree with all aspects of the decision, but we respect the FIA’s authority and will move forward. The team takes full responsibility for what happened today.”
The punishment has stunned many in the paddock, with some arguing the penalty is disproportionately harsh. However, others say it reflects a growing push by the FIA to clamp down on unsafe driving and inconsistent team communication — especially during chaotic race conditions.
McLaren’s penalty has now thrown the midfield battle wide open, giving rivals like Aston Martin and Alpine an unexpected edge heading into the European leg of the season.
With tempers flaring and the pressure mounting, McLaren faces a critical test of resilience after a Miami weekend that began with promise and ended in brutal fashion.
