Lando Norris reiterated on media day in Mexico: the Brit disagrees with the time penalty he received last Sunday in America for an ‘illegal’ overtaking maneuver on Max Verstappen. McLaren is contesting the decision of the race management through a so-called right of review.
After much deliberation, McLaren has decided to contest the much-discussed time penalty of Lando Norris (five seconds) through a protest. This is despite team boss Andrea Stella stating after the incident in America that he would not use the so-called right of review. According to the Italian, a review would be a pointless exercise. “I don’t think we stand much chance. It’s just a matter of difference of opinion,” he said.
Norris overtook Max Verstappen in the final stages of the race, but according to race management, he did so off the track and in an incorrect manner. The Brit received a five-second time penalty. At the finish line, he had a lead of 4.1 seconds over Verstappen, with whom he is battling for the world title. As a result, the Dutchman finished third, Norris fourth.
Initially, the discussion seemed closed after Stella’s verdict in America. However, on Thursday evening, it turned out that McLaren had submitted a request to subject the case to a new inspection. The application will be processed on Friday at 21:30 UTC via a video conference. A representative from Red Bull has also been invited to the session. If McLaren has convincing new evidence, the case may be reviewed by the race management.
