McLaren: Verstappen penalties show ‘authority exists’ in F1

Msx Verstappen’s twin time penalties in the Mexico City Grand Prix show “authority exists” in F1, believes McLaren boss Andrea Stella.

Verstappen was hit by two 10-second time penalties and two penalty points on his superlicence by the stewards for two incidents involving Lando Norris on lap 10 whilst battling over second place.

At Turn 4, Norris attempted a move around the outside, and had his front axle significantly alongside the Red Bull as per the racing guidelines before being shoved off. Moments later, Verstappen divebombed Norris at Turn 8, taking both cars off the track.

The stewards felt both incidents were worthy of a 10-second time penalty apiece. For the Turn 4 move, he was also handed the extra two points on his licence, taking him to six for the 12-month period.

Norris branded Verstappen as “dangerous”, whilst McLaren CEO Zak Brown insisted “enough was enough” after racing guidelines had been discussed by drivers with the FIA after the US Grand Prix incident between the two championship protagonists.

Reflecting on the situation, Stella felt the swift in-race action from the stewards are on top of the matter.

“The penalties seem to be consistent with the application of the guidelines in relation to these kind of incidents,” Stella told media including RacingNews365. 

“From this point of view, it has been a positive day because it shows that authority exists, it shows that the stewards have done a good job because of the constant reviews we do in Formula 1. As with anything, you review and then try to improve.

“Certainly as a team, there are many things we can review and improve, but to me, it looks like this process has happened in terms of stewarding, in terms of the FIA having taken some constructive feedback onboard.

“We appreciate this, not as a team, but as part of the F1 community. I feel like I have to thank the FIA and the stewards.”

Stella was then asked whether he viewed the twin incidents as varying in their degrees of severity, but the Italian refused to be drawn. 

“I think in your interpretation, there’s some level of subjectivity which could absolutely be accurate,” he added.

“But I would like to stay away from this because I don’t have all the facts. I haven’t checked the incidents more than once on the pit wall. 

“I trust the work of the stewards. In my view, they interpreted the racing scenarios accurately, they applied the guidelines consistently and it is positive news for everyone.”

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