Toto Wolff hits out at FIA Over BRUTAL Lando Norris penalty at Qatar GP

Toto Wolff came in defense of Lando Norris and McLaren over a late 10-second stop and go penalty at the Qatar GP.

Toto Wolff hits out at FIA Over BRUTAL Lando Norris penalty at Qatar GP

Lando Norris and Toto Wolff (Via: Imago)

The Qatar GP was one of the most action-packed races of the 2024 season. McLaren’s Lando Norris battled Max Verstappen for the lead before being handed a late penalty. This penalty ruined Norris’ race. Now, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has defended the 25-year-old.

Lando Norris was given a ten-second stop and go penalty for failing to slow down under a yellow flag. The British driver dropped to last place in the final stages of the race, before recovering to tenth place. McLaren’s title prospects were impacted heavily due to this decision.

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Toto Wolff labeled the penalty, ‘brutal.’ The Austrian billionaire highlighted that Lando Norris and McLaren could lose the Constructors’ title due to this decision by race control. Wolff admitted that he had not gone through the specifics behind the penalty. However, he urged the FIA to maintain consistency.

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I think the penalties were brutal, particularly to McLaren; it could cost them the championship. I don’t know exactly what the infringement was and what’s most important is that there is consistency.

Toto Wolff said, as reported by Sky F1

Toto Wolff wants new Race Director to follow hard stance

Rui Marquez took over as FIA Race Director from the Las Vegas GP. The numerous penalties handed to drivers in Qatar, including Norris show a hard approach adopted by the new Race Director. Toto Wolff insisted that there was nothing wrong with such a stance. Though, the Mercedes boss made it clear that everyone on the grid must know that they need to comply to this standard.

Toto Wolff (via planetf1)
Toto Wolff (via planetf1)

If the Race Director comes in and he has a hard stance, that’s okay as long as everyone knows that’s the hard stance and you need to comply with it.

Toto Wolff added

Certainly, Lando Norris’ penalty could continue to spark discussions till the season finale in Abu Dhabi. McLaren might be quick to blame this decision if the Woking-based team loses the title to Ferrari. However, it would be interesting to see if the FIA does adopt this strict approach.