Why McLaren’s focus on Verstappen’s driving failed to overturn Norris’ penalty · RaceFans

McLaren attempted to overturn the penalty Lando Norris received in the United States Grand Prix by focusing attention on the actions of his rival in the incident between the pair on lap 52, which sent both of them off the track.

Norris attempted to overtake Max Verstappen on the straight approaching turn 12. He moved ahead on the outside approaching the corner but Verstappen braked deep, drew level with the McLaren, and ran wide taking Norris with him.

Although Norris was ahead of Verstappen as they approached the corner, the Red Bull driver’s late braking allowed him to prevent the McLaren from reaching the apex before him. This was crucial, as if Norris had done so, Verstappen would have been required to leave him space on the outside.

Norris did not get there first, so Verstappen did not have to leave him space. Crucially, the rules did not require Verstappen to stay within the track confines in doing this. Norris, as well as several of their rivals, took the view that Verstappen was never going to make the corner because he braked so late.

During the hearing, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella took time to explain why they had requested a review after he made remarks to some in the media downplaying their chances of doing so. The stewards noted they: “Advised Mr Stella that they took no account of those comments and that this matter would be determined on the merits of the current submission.”

McLaren tried to persuade the stewards that Norris should not be considered the driver who was overtaking. They argued that because Norris got ahead of Verstappen on the straight, the Red Bull driver should be regarded as the driver who was passing. Under F1’s racing rules, that would oblige Verstappen to remain within the track limits which he failed to do.

The stewards did not reject this argument, nor did they accept it: They did not consider it. That is potentially significant for the wider debate around this kind of defensive move, but it spelled defeat for McLaren in their effort to secure a review of Norris’ penalty.

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In order to secure a review of the decision, McLaren had to persuade the stewards they had a compelling new piece of evidence. The only element they presented was the stewards’ original decision. They argued it incorrectly identified Norris as the overtaking driver.

The stewards dismissed their claim on the grounds that the error itself cannot be considered the…