The FIA is standing by its decision to impose a “cruel” penalty on Lando Norris during Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix.
Norris was penalized for failing to lift off the throttle in his McLaren while double yellow flags were flying and received a 10-second stop-and-go penalty for the offence.
The impact of the penalty was increased by the fact that it was imposed after the field had pitted behind the safety car, meaning Norris came out of the pit lane in last place with cars still in the race.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said that Norris deserved the penalty, but also that there was no sense of “proportion and specificity” in the decision, and that “there is an opportunity to do better from the FIA”.
The FIA issued an ‘explainer’ on Monday regarding a number of incidents in the race, including Norris’s penalty.
The section states: “The penalty was in accordance with the penalty guidelines circulated to teams on 19 February 2024
“Violations of double yellow flags are considered a serious compromise of safety, which is why such offenses carry such severe penalties.”
The reason for the double yellow flags being waved was the presence of a detached wing mirror from Alex Albon’s Williams lying off the racing line on the main straight.
Race control initially responded by placing yellow flags in that section, then surprisingly withdrew them without removing that section of track, which would have required a safety car.
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Detailed highlights of the Qatar Grand Prix from Lusail International Circuit.
After seven laps there, Valtteri Bottas’ Sauber eventually hit the mirror, sending debris across the track, injuring Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz moments later.
The safety car was then sent in to clear the track, causing the field to be cordoned off before Norris’ penalty was confirmed. The judgment also said that he would have to serve the sentence within three terms.
In a statement released on Monday, the FIA explained the decision not to immediately send out a safety car to allow the debris to be cleared, but unlike the Norris penalty, said that “specific scenarios” would be reviewed with potential teams in the future. A new process can be established.
The FIA said: “The usual practice is not to deploy the safety car if there is a small amount of debris and the racing is outside the line.
“Extensive debris after one car hit the windshield and a puncture shortly afterwards forced a decision on a safety car.
“VSC is not a solution because cars are spread out and marshals do not have enough time to clear the debris.
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Sky Sports F1’s Ted Kravitz reflects on a dramatic race at the Qatar Grand Prix.
“The FIA continuously reviews its methods and procedures and will further analyze the specific scenario, and discuss it with the teams, to see if there is a need to adopt a different course of action in the future.”
The FIA is currently under heavy scrutiny following a number of high-profile departures, including race director Niels Wittich, with only three rounds of the 2024 season remaining.
Rui Marques debuted as race director in Las Vegas after being hired at short notice, with no explanation given by the FIA for Wittich’s departure.
Wolff: Cruel penalty could cost McLaren constructors’ title
The decision had a significant impact on the Constructors’ Championship battle, with McLaren on the brink of sealing the title by cutting their advantage over Ferrari by 21 points heading into the final round of the season in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said Norris’s penalty was “cruel” but that it was “fine” as long as there was consistency on the part of the officials.
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Mercedes’ George Russell believes the FIA needs to be more transparent and consistent after recent sackings.
Mercedes pair George Russell and Lewis Hamilton also received penalties during the race.
Wolff explained, “The penalties were brutal, especially for McLaren. It could have cost the championship.” Sky Sports F1,
“I don’t know exactly what the violation was. The most important thing is that there is continuity.
“If the race director comes in and has a strict stance, that’s fine, as long as everyone knows it’s a strict stance and you have to follow it.”
Sky Sports F1’s Bernie Collins, former strategy head of Aston Martin, suggested that the harshness of the penalties handed out in Qatar had nothing to do with Rui Marques.
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Sky Sports’ Craig Slater takes a closer look at why Nils Wittich has left his post as F1 race director, and who will replace him in the role.
Collins said, “Double waved yellow for Norris, we can discuss whether it should have been a double waved yellow or not, but again he was given a penalty which was a double waved yellow and not a lift in the race. Recommended for.”
“I don’t think there has been any change in the severity of penalties with the new race director. Penalties are given by the stewards and they are in accordance with the guidelines.
“The race director is more responsible for double waved yellows or safety cars.”
Watch the final race of the 2024 Formula 1 season – the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – live on Sky Sports F1 this coming week, with Sunday’s race starting at 1pm. Get Sky Sports F1 or stream it now
