McLaren reveals talks with FIA over Max Verstappen’s collision with Lando Norris

McLaren's Andrea Stella confirmed that the team went to the FIA to discuss Max Verstappen's collision with Lando Norris at the Red Bull Ring.

McLaren reveals talks with FIA over Max Verstappen’s collision with Lando Norris

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (Via IMAGO)

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella confirmed that they were discussing the breach of guidelines by Max Verstappen during the Austrian GP with the FIA. Lando Norris and Verstappen’s collision had sparked controversy across the entire paddock.

Andrea Stella mentioned they would look on to the FIA when it comes to disputes or decisions post race. He highlighted that their point is professional and not bias. Stella acknowledged respect for both Red Bull and Max Verstappen for their achievements. He noted the race results are determined by FIA and the stewards, which shows a proper approach of handling the race incidents and regulations.

Our counterpart in this kind of conversation is the FIA, Okay, there's nothing personal, there's nothing polarized. I think I said immediately [after the race] that we have a lot of respect for Red Bull, for Max, for what they have achieved, but our counterpart is the FIA and the stewards.
Andrea Stela said, as reported by RacingNews365
YouTube video

Stella mentioned that they sought clarification and were satisfied with the answer they received from the stewards and the FIA. This indicated that they were reassured with the explanation provided by the race officials regarding Verstappen’s incident during the race in Austria.

FS Video
We sought clarification, and we were satisfied with the answer we received from the stewards and the FIA.
Andrea Stella added

Andrea Stella admits the collision could’ve been prevented if FIA had warned Norris and Verstappen

Andrea Stella highlighted that addressing Verstappen’s actions promptly, such as with warnings or penalties like the black and white flag, could have prevented the situation from happening. Immediate intervention could have clarified the rules and consequences, potentially avoiding further controversy and ensuring fair competition. This could have prevented more arguments and made sure the race was fair.

Yes, definitely. And like I said, straight after the race, if these maneuvers had been addressed immediately, with a warning, with a black-and-white flag, there would have been no escalation. This is clear, and this is clear to the stewards as well.
Andrea Stella stated
Andrea Stella
Andrea Stella (via IMAGO)

Further, Stella highlighted that it is important to move further and learn from the recent feedback gathered from Austria. The Italian stated that the goal is to improve Formula 1 by better enforcing the rules that already exist for how races should be run. By This, Stella meant taking the lessons learned and using them to make sure races are fair and well-managed in the future. It’s about using this experience to strengthen Formula 1’s policies.

Now is the time to move on, to learn as much as possible from the opportunities that we had, and there was a lot of information coming from Austria, to put Formula 1 in a better position in terms of policy
Andrea Stella added

Certainly, Andrea Stella reckoned the aftermath of the incident could’ve been prevented. Instead, the incident could’ve been prevented if FIA had given warnings or penalties to both the drivers before. However, McLaren moves forward to the next race in Silverstone which is Norris’s home race. Fans are really excited to see him in action at his home grand prix.

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