Lando Norris' penalty controversial

Once again, track limits were at the center of debates throughout the Austin weekend. While the rule for qualifying is clear (exceeding four lines beyond the white line results in lap time cancellation), race conditions mean that the consequences can vary from one case to another.

The first scenario occurred right from the start: Max Verstappen dived on the inside of turn 1 to try to get ahead of Lando Norris. Both drivers then ran wide and the British driver found himself outside the track limits. While the Dutchman managed to pass, this left space for Charles Leclerc, who took the leading position. After the race, the world championship leader declared: "I saw a gap on the inside and I went for it. This turn is very wide, which gives you a lot of opportunities to run wide or to try to cut through. I chose the latter option. In the end, I went in as second and came out as second, but this time Charles was in front. It worked out pretty well for me as Charles was faster than me. So he pulled away."

The second clash took place towards the end of the race when Lando Norris, on fresher tires, was rapidly catching up to his rival. After several laps in his exhaust fumes, he eventually attempted an overtake on the outside of turn 12. While he indeed passed the Red Bull, he did so by going beyond the track limits. As a result, he was penalized with a five-second penalty. Max Verstappen reacted once again, citing the FIA regulations and his own past experiences: « It's very clear as a rule: you cannot overtake outside the white lines. I got caught for that in the past. I think in 2017 and I lost a podium."

Obviously, the reaction was different from the Papayas. Andrea Stella commented to Sky F1: "My point of view is that the way the stewards intervened in this beautiful moment of motor racing was not appropriate because both cars went off the track. Both cars therefore gained an advantage. It's a shame because it cost us a podium. It cost us a race where we were patient. When we were pushed off at the first corner, we accepted it. Our position is very clear: we cannot appeal this decision. For us, the chapter is closed and we are moving forward."

But other voices were heard in the Austin paddock. Thus Toto Wolff, still not recovered from Abu Dhabi 2021, had spoken out during the race, referring to a joke for George Russell's penalty for a similar maneuver at the same turn. He questioned the partiality of the stewards regarding the difference in treatment with his rival: "He did not receive a penalty and Lando received a penalty for being pushed off and overtaking outside track limits. I think it's a slightly biased decision-making process."

From our special correspondent in Austin.