Following the US Grand Prix, the FIA refuses to review its decision on Norris’ penalty.
A few days after the 2024 United States Grand Prix, McLaren invoked its “right of review” regarding the penalty given to Norris following his overtake on Verstappen outside track limits. The FIA rejected this request for review, a major blow for the Papaya team.
Read more:
Background: the controversial overtaking at the U.S. Grand Prix
During the 2024 USGP, Norris attempted to overtake Verstappen at Turn 12 but had to complete his maneuver off the track. This earned him a five-second penalty, pushing him back behind Verstappen at the finish line and depriving him of a crucial podium for the drivers’ championship. Naturally, McLaren quickly responded by filing for a review, hoping the new data would turn things around by proving that Norris had gained the advantage before leaving the track. However, the FIA wasn’t swayed. This raises questions about the rigidity of the rules, especially in an F1 season where overtakes and rivalries between drivers have sparked numerous controversies.
How does the “right of review” work in Formula 1?
To be able to use this right of review in F1, teams must provide evidence meeting four criteria: it must be significant, relevant, new, and unavailable at the time of the incident. McLaren believed it had these elements with an FIA document proving an “objective error.” Yet, the FIA rejected the request, responding that the new evidence didn’t meet the necessary conditions. This decision highlights the complex role of the “right of review” in current F1 competition—a right that’s hard to enforce. McLaren even brought in Andrea Stella to argue the case, emphasizing just how crucial this issue is for the team and their driver, especially with only five Grands Prix left and every point counting in the championship race.
Overly rigid racing regulations
The incident recalls the famous Verstappen-Hamilton battle at the 2021 Brazilian GP, during that wild season when Mercedes also tried to have a stewards’ decision reviewed by submitting additional video footage. Although it didn’t change anything for Mercedes, the precedent showed that FIA decisions could indeed be contested. For McLaren and Lando Norris, a review could have been a decisive move in the F1 championship standings. Unfortunately, this outcome once again demonstrates the rigidity of the regulations, which, disappointingly, often prevent drivers from battling more freely and giving fans a more authentic spectacle. It’s a shame that every overtake seems to end up in court.
Why has Williams choose yellow for its livery for the next GPs
This article explores the heated debate around McLaren’s denied appeal on Norris’ USGP penalty, the limits of the “right of review” in F1, and comparisons to the 2021 Brazil GP case. Will this controversial decision impact future appeals and bring clarity on F1’s penalties process?
Featured image: McLaren
