Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, have released a document explaining why Lando Norris received a five-second penalty at the United States Grand Prix.
On Sunday, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc led from start to finish as he won his third Grand Prix of the season at the Circuit of the Americas.
Towards the closing stages of the race, the two main title contenders, reigning champion Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Norris were going wheel to wheel as they battled for third.
Four laps from the end, British driver Norris finally managed to get past Verstappen at Turn 12.
It was a close encounter as Norris had to go off the track after being slightly squeezed by the Red Bull superstar.
However, Norris ended up being handed a five-second penalty by the stewards after gaining an advantage while off the track.
After the race, the FIA released an official document explaining the decision.
It said: “Car 4 left the track at turn 12 and gained a lasting advantage. Breach of Article 33.3 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations.
“The Stewards reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video and in-car video evidence. Car 4 was overtaking Car 1 on the outside, but was not level with Car 1 at the apex. Therefore under the Driving Standards Guidelines, Car 4 had lost the “right” to the corner.
“Accordingly, as Car 4 left the track and returned in front of Car 1, it is deemed to be a case of leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage. A 5 second penalty is imposed instead of the 10 second penalty recommended in the guidelines because having committed to the overtaking move on the outside the driver of Car 4 had little alternative other than to leave the track because of the proximity of Car 1 which had also left the track.”
The document continued: “In view of the above, we determine that this will not count as a track limit “strike” for Car 4. Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.
“Decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented.”
Speaking on his team radio after the incident, Verstappen said: “My god, that was a hard race. I tried everything with the defending. That was fun.
“It’s just a bit weird that you can overtake outside the track.”
F1 will return this weekend with the Mexican Grand Prix at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
