Mclaren Right to Review Denied

Early Friday morning Mclaren announced they had put forth their request to have the FIA review the Penalty given to Lando Norris on lap 52 of the U.S Grand Prix (for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.) otherwise known as a 'Right to Review' request. The FIA met this afternoon in Mexico and ultimately denied Mclaren's appeal.
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A Right to Review  requires substantial 'new' or 'previously unavailable' information that would have effected the decision the Stewards made during the race. Unfortunately for Mclaren the FIA found that the evidence provided did not meet the standard required and the penalty was upheld. Meaning Max Verstappen keeps 3rd place in the U.S Grand Prix and the 15 points its comes with, which could prove pivotal in his fight for the World drivers Championship against Norris

While this ends the issue of Lando's penalty, it certainly isn't the end of the discussion about how best to adjudicate this defensive driving style. Can you force a driver off the track to stop them legally passing you? and should they then get a penalty when they don't return the place because they were pushed off? Also if both drivers leave the track and seemingly gain an advantage can you only punish 1 of those drivers? The FIA and the rule book definitely don't make it easy for the Stewards!  

Joanna Blackmore 
​Writer @f1journal.co.uk