FIA rejects Norris penalty: McLaren's appeal falls flat

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

FIA upholds Lando Norris penalty in U.S. Grand Prix, McLaren's appeal rejected.

Mexico City, Mexico – The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has dismissed McLaren's appeal over the five-second penalty imposed on Lando Norris during the U.S. Grand Prix, which the driver referred to as a "momentum killer" in his championship battle.

The penalty was issued after race stewards determined that Norris gained an unfair advantage by exceeding track limits while overtaking Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen. The time sanction relegated Norris from a podium finish in third place to fourth, placing him directly behind his title rival at the conclusion of the race.

In their appeal submitted on Thursday, McLaren argued that Norris was not overtaking but was in fact defending his position, contending that he had clearly established his lead over Verstappen before reaching the braking zone.

However, the FIA ruled against McLaren, stating, "Accordingly, as there is no relevant new element, the petition is rejected." This decision, delivered in a written ruling at the Mexico City Grand Prix, solidifies the results from Austin, confirming no further hearings will be pursued.

With the stewards' verdict standing, Verstappen now carries a 57-point lead over Norris heading into this weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix, with only five races left in the season.

In response to the FIA's decision, McLaren issued a statement, "We will continue to work closely with the FIA to further understand how teams can constructively challenge decisions that lead to an incorrect classification of the race."

As the season progresses and the fight for the championship intensifies, McLaren and Norris face a significant challenge to bridge the points gap to Verstappen.

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