Controversy erupted at the United States Grand Prix when Max Verstappen and Lando Norris clashed in the title fight. Norris was penalized for overtaking Verstappen off-track for third place, prompting an FIA investigation. The FIA ultimately ruled that the Briton exceeded track limits to pass the Dutchman, leading to the penalty and sparking heated debate.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella shared his concerns about the handling of the situation, asserting that the stewards acted inappropriately. Stella pointed out that both Lando Norris and Max Verstappen went off track while gaining an advantage. However, Norris, despite successfully overtaking, couldn’t maintain his lead due to a five-second penalty.

My view is that the way the stewards interfered in this beautiful piece of motorsport was inappropriate, because both cars went off-track. It’s a shame because it costs us a podium. It costs us a race where we stay patient.

After we were pushed off in the first lap, first corner, we accepted it. Andrea Stella told SkySportsF1When the Woking-based squad reviewed the situation, they clearly noted that both cars gained an advantage, not just Norris. RELATEDToto Wolff brands Lando Norris’ US GP penalty as a ‘biased decision’Lando Norris asserts it’s ‘impossible to know’ if he would have given his position back.

Lando Norris pointed out that the time the stewards took to issue his five-second penalty suggested it was a borderline call. He also highlighted that Verstappen’s first-lap move resulted in both drivers going off-track but was allowed to stand. In contrast, Norris’s challenge for third place faced punishment.

Lando Norris (via IMAGO)Reflecting on the situation, Norris stated it was impossible to know if giving the place back would have been effective. The stewards struggled to decide for several laps, suggesting it wasn’t an easy call, or they would have acted sooner. It’s impossible to know [if the team asking him to give the place back would have worked out], the stewards obviously can’t make their minds up for a few laps, so it’s not an easy decision, or it would have come a bit sooner.

Lando Norris explainedRELATEDCharles Leclerc and Ferrari are ‘targeting the title’ after BRILLIANT triumph at US GPThe race not only cost Norris a podium finish but also five crucial points in the drivers’ standings. Meanwhile, Ferrari had a fantastic day, clinching a 1-2 finish with Charles Leclerc taking first place and Carlos Sainz finishing a strong second.