FIA stewards reject McLaren's review of Norris-Verstappen clash on October 26
- McLaren's request to review the penalty given to Lando Norris for an incident involving Max Verstappen during the U.S. Grand Prix was denied by the FIA stewards.
- The stewards concluded there was no new relevant evidence to justify reopening the case, citing errors in McLaren's claims as unsustainable.
- This decision raises questions about the clarity and consistency of F1’s racing rules, prompting further debate among teams and drivers.
On October 25, 2024, in Mexico City, FIA stewards convened to discuss McLaren's petition for a Right of Review concerning a penalty issued to Lando Norris for an overtake on Max Verstappen during the recent U.S. Grand Prix. Norris had been penalized for leaving the track and gaining an unfair advantage, a ruling that led to widespread criticism regarding the interpretation of racing regulations. McLaren argued that their new evidence was significant enough to change the outcome. However, the stewards concluded that McLaren's evidence, which centered around alleged discrepancies in the decision document, did not meet the criteria necessary for a review. They asserted that the assertions made by McLaren regarding a supposed error in their initial assessment were neither relevant nor new, prompting the dismissal of the review request. This decision illustrates the ongoing struggles within Formula 1 regarding the clarity and consistency of racing rules, which have been frequently called into question. Norris expressed his disagreement with the penalty, reflecting a sentiment shared by many fans and observers of the sport. He emphasized the need for better-defined regulations to prevent ambiguity in future races. As the debate continues, drivers and teams are left to navigate the complexities of racing regulations, highlighting the importance of this case in shaping future interpretations of racing conduct in Formula 1.