McLaren is seeking to reverse Lando Norris’ controversial demotion at last weekend’s United States Grand Prix at a stewards’ hearing on Friday.
Norris received a five-second penalty for passing Max Verstappen off the track in Austin, a penalty that meant he lost a place after finishing third. Instead, Verstappen moved to the final spot on the podium to extend his championship lead over Norris to 57 points with 146 available.
McLaren was furious, believing Verstappen was only leading 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 before their decision. He also accused the panel, which included former British racer Derek Warwick, of inconsistency.
“We believe there is an important new element that was not available to us at the time the decision was made,” a McLaren spokesperson said in a statement.
Lando Norris received a five-second penalty for overtaking Max Verstappen off the track
Norris was deemed to have illegally overtaken Verstappen in the closing stages of the race.
‘We have submitted the relevant documentation to the FIA and will not be commenting further while this process is ongoing.
“We have the greatest respect for the FIA and the stewards for the difficult work they do and appreciate the open and collaborative relationship we enjoy with them.”
An FIA statement issued on Thursday, ahead of this weekend’s race in Mexico City, confirmed that McLaren will not let the matter go.
‘The stewards have received a right of review request pursuant to Article 14 of the FIA International Sporting Code, from McLaren, in respect of the stewards’ decision, Document 69, violation of Article 33.3 in relation to Car 4 (Norris),’ the FIA said.
‘The team representative must attend a video conference with the stewards at 14:30 Mexico time (9:30 pm BST) on Friday 25 October in relation to the above.
‘Any other ‘interested party’ may request permission from the commissioners to appear. It should be noted that this hearing will consist of two parts. The first part will be to hear evidence about whether there is a “significant and relevant new element that was not available to the party seeking review at the time of the decision in question.”
Max Verstappen said after the United States Grand Prix that Norris and McLaren ‘complain a lot’
‘If the stewards determine, in accordance with article 14.3, (in their sole discretion) that such an element exists, a second part of the hearing will be convened at a time to be communicated.’
The same commissioners who officiated in Austin, chaired by experienced Australian civil servant Garry Connelly, will hear the right of review.
Verstappen’s Red Bull team has been formally notified of the hearing and is expected to be represented at it.