Following the 2024 United States Grand Prix, the FIA has broken its silence on the penalty imposed on Lando Norris, a driver fighting for the Driver's Championship.
The British driver, piloting the number 4 for McLaren, was handed a five-second penalty for an overtaking move that saw him finish fourth, trailing behind his Red Bull Racing rival, Max Verstappen. This incident sparked controversy over the interpretation and application of the regulations, with even the most experienced pundits wondering whether it was the correct choice.
The move in question happened during the closing of the race on Lap 52 at Turn 12. Norris, having closely pursued Verstappen for several laps, attempted to overtake on the outside. However, Verstappen's defense left Norris with few options, and he eventually veered off the track as Verstappen pushed him wide, leaving the track himself.
The FIA, the authoritative body in international motorsport, immediately reviewed the move. They determined Norris' actions breached Article 33.3 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations.
This regulation stipulates that an overtaking car must be level with the vehicle it is overtaking by the apex of the corner. Failing to meet this standard, the overtaker forfeits the right to the corner. According to the official FIA report:
"Car 4 was overtaking Car 1 on the outside but was not level with Car 1 at the apex. Therefore under the Driving Standards Guidelines, Car 4 had lost the 'right' to the corner."
The five-second penalty, while less severe than the typical ten-second penalty indicated in the guidelines, was meted out acknowledging unique circumstances.
"A 5-second penalty is imposed instead of the 10-second penalty recommended in the guidelines because, having committed to the overtaking move on the outside, the driver of Car 4 had little alternative other than to leave the track because of the proximity of Car 1, which had also left the track."
The stewards concluded that Norris' actions warranted a penalty but took mitigating factors into account, reducing the severity of the penalty in consideration of the challenging race conditions.
The FIA's decision, detailed in a report issued to the McLaren team, was underlined by data from positioning systems, marshalling indicators, and comprehensive video footage, both external and from in-car cameras. As per regulations, McLaren has the option to appeal this penalty, although team principal Andrea Stella confirmed that they wouldn't be doing this:
"The decision cost McLaren a podium, and it's frustrating, but I don't think further protests will alter the result," he said via Sports Illustrated.
As it stands, Norris is sitting 57 points behind Verstappen with Charles Leclerc, who claimed his first win at the U.S. Grand Prix, closely trailing. McLaren still holds the Constructor's Standings, but Red Bull and Ferrari tightly follow.
Visibly annoyed, Norris voiced confusion over the ruling's consistency.
"Both Verstappen and I left the track; the rules seem puzzling given the same situation unfolded earlier at Turn 1 without repercussions." This element of apparent inconsistency has brought to light ongoing concerns regarding the fairness and transparency within Formula One adjudication.
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