P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has taken the United States Grand Prix stewards to task, questioning both the outcome of their investigation into the Lando Norris-Max Verstappen incident and how quickly the verdict was reached.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella criticized the United States Grand Prix stewards for their hasty decision regarding the late-race incident between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, questioning the urgency to interfere in a battle with championship implications. Stella believes the stewards should receive the criticism constructively and positively. The incident occurred on lap 52 when Norris overtook Verstappen off track, with both drivers breaching track limits. Despite Norris crossing the line first, a five-second time penalty was imposed for an illegal overtake. Stella expressed surprise at the swift verdict and emphasized the need for thorough assessment when situations are unclear. The decision widened the gap between Norris and Verstappen in the driver’s championship to 57 points. Debate ensued at McLaren over whether Norris needed to give back the position, with Stella emphasizing the defending car’s actions as he believed it made completing the maneuver impossible for Norris.
