The McLaren Formula 1 squad has announced that it has lodged a petition for a “right of review” of the Stewards’ decision to penalise Lando Norris at the Canadian Grand Prix.
Norris was handed a five-second penalty for “unsportsmanlike behaviour” when he slowed down under the Safety Car so that he wasn’t held in the pits when McLaren opted to double stack their cars.
The Briton crossed the line in ninth place, but was dropped to 13th once the penalty had been applied.
A statement from the team said: “We can confirm that the McLaren Formula 1 Team has lodged a petition for a “right of review” regarding to Article 14.1.1 of the of the FIA International Sporting Code, on the Stewards’ decision to impose a 5-second penalty on Lando Norris for “unsportsmanlike behaviour” under the Safety Car at the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix.”
Article 14.1.1 of the International Sporting Code grants competitors the “right of review” should a “significant and relevant new element [be] discovered which was unavailable to the parties seeking the review at the time of the decision concerned.”
At the time, Norris questioned the Steward’s decision, saying: “It doesn’t make sense to me. I was, what, three seconds, four seconds behind my delta, which everyone quite often is.
“It was too early to box for what we were planning to do, so I wasn’t planning to box in the first place, then I got a call just before the pit entry.
“It wasn’t like I was 10 seconds behind my delta so if it’s because of the delta difference, then probably most people should be given penalties for the last three years or four years!”
Now, a hearing will be held to determine whether the review is admissible. If it is deemed so, the incident will be formally reviewed.
In their statement confirming the request, McLaren stressed its support and trust of the FIA and its stewards, but believes there is sufficient new evidence for a new investigation to be opened.
“In Canada, we were surprised by the penalty and uncertain as to the rationale behind the decision,” McLaren said. “We spoke to the Stewards immediately after the race to help understand the reasoning for the penalty.
“The FIA’s regulatory framework has tools and processes which allow them and the sport to deal with the operational complexity of Formula 1, especially for decisions which need to be made during the race.
“The “right of review” is one of those processes which showcases the strength of the institution in allowing decisions to be reviewed, should that be in the best interest of the sport and this is something McLaren fully embraces and supports.
“Given this provision, the team took the initial explanation onboard and decided to review the case in a calm and considered manner, performing comprehensive due diligence, which included looking at the precedents.
“After this careful and extensive review, we believe enough evidence exists to a submit a “right to review” to the FIA, which we have done so.
“We will now continue to work with the FIA closely, in the same constructive and collaborative manner in which we normally do, and will accept the outcome of their deliberations and decision.”
