McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella looks on in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on September 12, 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Clive Rose - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella acknowledged that the stewards’ decision regarding Lando Norris at the 2024 US Grand Prix cannot be appealed. Speaking to media, including Sportskeeda, after the race, Stella explained that McLaren lacked new evidence to justify a ‘Right of Review’ over the incident.
In the final laps of the race, Norris was locked in a thrilling battle with Max Verstappen, attempting to overtake the Dutchman. Verstappen’s defensive driving forced Norris wide, prompting the Briton to make a pass on the outside. This maneuver resulted in a five-second penalty for Norris, dropping him from third to fourth place.
While McLaren argued the penalty was unjust and Norris expressed frustration with the decision, Stella conceded that pursuing an appeal was unlikely to succeed. He believed the disagreement stemmed from differing interpretations of the incident between McLaren and the stewards. Stella ultimately regarded the matter as settled, but emphasized that the FIA should review the situation to enhance future stewarding decisions.
