FIA to adjust rules after Verstappen-Norris incident

The FIA is set to revise Formula 1’s racing guidelines following a meeting with the drivers at the Mexico City Grand Prix. 

The revision of the racing guidelines by the governing body is to take place following several queries by drivers as to why Lando Norris received a five-second time penalty in last weekend’s United States Grand Prix.

The BBC understands that in Friday’s drivers’ briefing with the FIA, the governing body told drivers it would create revised wording based on the specifics of Norris’ lap 52 incident with Max Verstappen, to be handed to the drivers later this year for approval.

Details of what will change have not been specified by the governing body; however, it arose after a discussion about the tactics used by Verstappen to remain ahead of Norris. Whether the Dutchman should have been penalised also came up in the talks. 

The FIA explained why Norris was penalised, to which some drivers expressed their dissatisfaction. A revision of the guidelines is set to be discussed at the next race. 

Most drivers feel the three-time F1 champion exploited a loophole in the rules regarding defending from a driver attempting an overtake on the outside. 

Track changes were discussed as a deterrent to going off the circuit, whilst drivers argued that the FIA being consistent in awarding penalties is irrelevant if the penalty is wrong in the first place. 

Overall, it is believed to have been a positive discussion between the drivers and the governing body.

An FIA spokesperson said: “There was a general commitment to continue to update the driving standards guidelines.

“Bearing in mind the drivers requested the drivers’ racing guidelines and agreed to their introduction along with the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, each time they are updated it is consultation with the drivers.

“It is generally accepted that they should continue to evolve, not because of isolated incidents such as Austin, but driven by the desire to bring consistency to determinations and decisions from the stewards.”