FIA gives in-detail explanation following criticism over Lando Norris’ stop-go penalty at Qatar GP

Lando Norris was in contention for the win at Qatar before the 10-second penalty dragged him down to P10.

FIA gives in-detail explanation following criticism over Lando Norris’ stop-go penalty at Qatar GP

Lando Norris, FIA (via IMAGO)

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) reprimanded McLaren’s Lando Norris with a 10-second stop-go penalty at the Qatar GP. Norris allegedly failed to slow down despite double yellow flags being waved.

Lando Norris finished P10 because of the penalty after competing in the top three for a major chunk of the 57-lap race. The decision was termed harsh and irrelevant by many personnel, including the Papayas. However, the FIA has since released a detailed statement clarifying the decision to everyone.

YouTube video

The Formula 1 regulatory body explains that moving under a safety car or yellow flags per se is considered a serious safety hazard. Therefore, the Norris penalty was just with regard to the rules of motorsport.

The telemetry and onboard audio showed that the driver of car #4 did not slow down in any way in the yellow zone, even though the double-waved yellow flags and the yellow lights were clearly visible to him. Heeding yellow flags is crucial for the safety of all parties. It is not without reason that it is described in the first ever Race Directors Event Notes every weekend. The penalty was in accordance with the guidelines distributed to the teams on February 19, 2024. A double-waved yellow flag violation is considered a serious safety hazard, which is why it is punished so severely. 

FIA explained in an official statement after the Qatar GP (via RacingNews365)

Norris has lost a major chunk of points this season due to his lack of awareness on the racetrack. With the constructors’ championship still up for grabs, the Brit will hope to make his best efforts in Abu Dhabi.

McLaren seek review for unexplainable Lando Norris penalty

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has submitted a formal plea on behalf of his team to the FIA after the Qatar GP. The Woking-based team has questioned the severity of Lando Norris’ punishment in Lusail.

Andrea Stella with Norris and Piastri
Oscar Piastri, Andrea Stella, and Lando Norris (Via: Imago)

Andrea Stella feels that there is scope for improvement in the current reprimand declared by the FIA against Norris. The Italian boss otherwise has full trust in the functioning and authority of the governing body.

We expect that this case of applying such a severe penalty will be reviewed by the FIA, and there is certainly, in our opinion, material for improvement once the FIA has taken this opportunity to open a review of their operations and application of the penalty.

Andrea Stella via CRASH

The 25-year-old driver has been penalized by the FIA ample times due to valid reasons this season. Regardless of where the decision stands, the Papayas will be content with maintaining their lead in the title race.