The lack of consistency in the decisions of the FIA once again under scrutiny in Austin

The resurfacing of the circuit did not change things. After a 2023 edition that had been particularly marked by an abuse of track limits, the Formula 1 authorities decided this year to make modifications to address this issue. The inside of corners 6, 13, 14 and 15 has seen its asphalt area reduced by 1.5 meters and replaced by grass, as well as the adoption of a gravel trap at the exit of turn 11, which conditions the long straight of the circuit. These adaptations were supposed to prevent drivers from cutting the corners. However, this Sunday, track limits penalties were omnipresent.

Many drivers penalized... by 5 seconds

However, these penalties were imposed for exceeding track limits and involved four drivers: Lando Norris, Pierre Gasly, George Russell, and Yuki Tsunoda. As for the first mentioned, his penalty is arguably the most controversial due to the events that unfolded between Norris and Verstappen. After a difficult start and an economical first stint, the Singapore Grand Prix winner launched an attack in his final stint with hard tires and managed to catch up with the struggling Dutchman in his Red Bull.

Read also: The penalty of Lando Norris is debated

After several laps stuck behind the Austrian car, the British driver attempted an overtaking maneuver in turn 12 on the 52nd lap. Norris, equipped with his DRS, attacked from the outside by delaying his braking. His rival did not give up and delayed his braking even further. A situation that ultimately saw both drivers go off track, with Lando Norris taking the advantage over the three-time world champion. Despite Verstappen's instructions, Norris did not let up and received a five-second penalty, thereby depriving him of the last place on the podium, which went to the Dutch driver.

In its report, the FIA explained that: « Car number 4 [Lando Norris] was overtaking car number 1 [Max Verstappen] on the outside, but was not level with car number 1 at corner 5 [of turn 12]. Therefore, according to the conduct standards, car number 4 had lost its "right of way" in the turn. Consequently, as car number 4 left the track and came back in front of car number 1, we consider this to be a case of leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage. » According to the stewards, Verstappen had the right of way in the turn and Norris could not overtake him off the track. Further in the document, the stewards explained the reasons that led them to only impose a five-second penalty instead of the ten that are now distributed during races.

« A 5-second penalty is imposed instead of the recommended 10-second penalty in the guidelines because after committing to the overtaking move on the outside, the driver of car #4 had no choice but to leave the track due to the proximity of car #1, which had also left the track. In light of the foregoing, we determine that this does not count as a "track limits warning" for car #4. » A reduced but still costly penalty, as the 2018 Formula 2 runner-up loses three points in the standings compared to his Dutch rival. Nonetheless, this decision is unlikely to be forgotten, especially as Verstappen escaped a penalty after forcing another driver off the track, unlike Norris and three other drivers.

Gasy, Russell and Tsunoda sanctioned... but not Verstappen

On Gasly's side, the situation is similar to that between Norris and Verstappen. The Norman driver decided to attack Albon's Williams at Turn 15 from the outside and overtook his opponent outside the track limits. Albon, on his part, had stayed within the track limits, which more easily justifies this penalty, hard to swallow for the Alpine driver. "The car 10 [Gasly] overtook car 23 [Albon] on the outside, was level with car 23 at the top of the turn but briefly fell back before the exit of the turn. Consequently, according to the driving guidelines, car 10 had lost the 'right' to the turn. Therefore, as car 10 left the track and came back in front of car 23, it is a case of leaving the track with a lasting advantage," explained the stewards, who ultimately imposed a five-second penalty.

Finally, for Russell and Tsunoda, the context is similar to that between Norris and Verstappen, with a driver on the inside forcing another driver off the racing line and obliging them to go off track. For the Briton, it was Valtteri Bottas, while the Japanese driver was found guilty of his move on Alexander Albon. A similar verdict was therefore issued by the FIA. The driving guidelines state that when overtaking on the inside, the driver must not force the other car off the track and must leave an acceptable and fair space for the overtaken car. This did not happen in this case. However, as a mitigating factor, a five-second penalty is imposed instead of the standard 10-second penalty, as the stewards believe that forcing the other car off track was not deliberate, and that [Russell/Tsunoda] was in control of the car at all times.

A lack of consistency at the FIA in the enforcement of penalties

On the other hand, none of the four mentioned drivers have received any penalty points on their Super License. However, criticisms are pouring in regarding the lack of consistency in the decisions made by the FIA, which sanctioned these four drivers for reasons similar to the action taken by Max Verstappen at the start. Meanwhile, the Dutchman did not even receive a simple warning. A directive that will be talked about for a long time, especially if the title is decided by only a few points at the end of the season.