McLaren loses its appeal against the penalty imposed on Lando Norris in Canada
The Woking stable had appealed the 5-second penalty given to Lando Norris for "unsportsmanlike behavior" during the Canadian Grand Prix. They did not succeed.
On Friday, at the Austrian Grand Prix, McLaren filed a “right of review” request regarding the decision of the stewards to impose a penalty on Lando Norris for what was deemed “unsporting behavior” during the Canadian Grand Prix.
After the incident caused by George Russell, resulting in the intervention of the safety car due to debris on the track following his collision with the wall, McLaren ordered Oscar Piastri and Norris to return to the pits to change tires. The latter was accused of intentionally slowing down to create a sufficient gap and enable a double pit entry. He received a 5-second penalty.
In its protest, McLaren notably mentioned discussions that followed the 2019 Monaco Grand Prix during the team directors’ meeting in Canada in 2019, which led to the conclusion that this type of action was acceptable. The team also provided video, audio, GPS, and timing evidence of eight different situations where cars created a gap that would have had a negative impact on a rival and allegedly went unpunished. Lastly, McLaren asserts that Alex Albon allegedly did not lose any positions following Lando Norris’ move.
The FIA commissioners delivered their decision this Sunday afternoon and have nevertheless rejected McLaren’s appeal, stating that their points raised were not relevant.
