Norris Raises His Voice In Complaints About The Inconsistency Of The FIA

In the high-speed world of Formula 1, where precision and consistency are paramount, the issue of fairness and consistency in applying penalties has always been a topic of debate. Following the 2023 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, Lando Norris, the talented English driver, made his voice heard in a chorus of complaints about what many perceive as the inconsistency of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), the sport’s governing body.

The Controversy

The controversy emerged after Max Verstappen, the current championship contender, escaped with a couple of reprimands for on-track incidents during the race. One of these reprimands was for blocking Yuki Tsunoda during his flying lap, which stewards partially attributed to Verstappen’s team not providing enough information. The second reprimand came for stopping at the end of the pit lane, creating a significant gap on the track and delaying several other single-seaters.

The Reprimandation

These reprimands left many of Verstappen’s rivals surprised, as they had anticipated more severe sanctions for such incidents. Pierre Gasly, another F1 driver, expressed his intent to seek explanations from the FIA, while Lando Norris openly voiced his frustration, stating, “I don’t want to say too much because it would only create controversy, but I think the blocking on the track was the one that should have been penalized; he blocked someone.”

Norris’s frustration stems from his belief that the responsibility for avoiding such incidents doesn’t solely rest on the teams but also on the drivers themselves. He emphasized the importance of drivers diligently checking their mirrors to be aware of their surroundings, especially during qualifying laps when every fraction of a second counts. “In Formula 1, it is a surprise,” Norris remarked, alluding to the perceived lack of attention to such issues.

Support From Other Drivers

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, two seasoned drivers, echoed similar sentiments. Hamilton emphasized the need for consistency and an open dialogue with the FIA to ensure that penalties are applied uniformly. Leclerc expressed his surprise at the reprimand for stopping at the pitlane exit, emphasizing the potential dangers it poses.

Verstappen’s Reaction

Max Verstappen, the focal point of the controversy, downplayed the situation, stating that he had provided his side of the story and that it was ultimately up to the race commissioners to make decisions in each case.

Another driver, Alexander Albon, chimed in, highlighting the delicate balance between consistency and flexibility in penalties. He cited an incident involving Sergio Pérez, where a five-second penalty was imposed, questioning the fairness of such decisions and suggesting that there should be some flexibility in certain cases.

The complaints and concerns raised by these drivers shed light on the ongoing challenge of achieving consistency in applying penalties in Formula 1. While the FIA has made efforts to maintain fairness, the sport’s dynamic nature and the diversity of racing incidents make it a complex task.