McLaren are seeking to overturn Lando Norris’s controversial demotion at last weekend’s US Grand Prix in a hearing before the stewards on Friday.
Norris was given a five-second penalty for overtaking Max Verstappen off the track in Austin, a punishment which meant he dropped a place after finishing third. Verstappen instead took the final podium place to extend his championship lead over Norris to 57 points with 146 available.
McLaren were furious, believing Verstappen only led at the apex of Turn 12 because he braked late, knowing he could cross the white lines with impunity.
Norris said immediately afterwards that the stewards ‘rushed’ their decision and that his point of view should have been heard prior to their adjudication. He also accused the panel, which included former British racer Derek Warwick, of inconsistency.
‘We believe there is a significant and new element that was unavailable to us at the time the decision was made,’ a McLaren spokesman said in a statement.
Lando Norris was given a five-second penalty for overtaking Max Verstappen off the track
Norris was adjudged to have overtaken Verstappen illegally in the closing stages of the race
‘We have submitted the relevant paperwork to the FIA and will issue no further comment while this process is ongoing.
‘We have the utmost respect for the FIA and the stewards for the difficult job that they do and appreciate the open and collaborative relationship we enjoy with them.’
A statement from the FIA issued on Thursday, ahead of this weekend’s race in Mexico City, confirmed that McLaren are not letting the matter rest.
‘The stewards have received a petition for a right of review in accordance with Article 14 of the FIA International Sporting Code, from McLaren, in respect of the decision of the stewards, Document 69, breach of Article 33.3 in relation to Car 4 (Norris),’ said the FIA.
‘The team representative is required to attend a video conference with the stewards at 14.30 Mexico time (9.30pm BST) on Friday October 25 in relation to the above.
‘Any other ‘concerned party’ may seek the permission of the stewards to appear. It should be noted that this hearing will be in two parts. The first part will be to hear evidence as to whether there is a ‘significant and relevant new element which was unavailable to the party seeking the review at the time of the decision concerned.’
Max Verstappen said after the US Grand Prix that Norris and McLaren ‘complain a lot’
‘Should the stewards determine, in accordance with Article 14.3, (in their sole discretion) that such element exists, a second part of the hearing will be convened at a time to be advised.’
The same stewards as officiated in Austin, chaired by experienced Australian official Garry Connelly, will hear the right to review.
Verstappen’s Red Bull team have been formally notified of the hearing and are expected to be represented at it.
