Stella Slams Austin Calls - Podium Lost

Norris Eyes Stewards After Austin Podium Slip

21/10/2024

Lando Norris seeks answers from stewards after missing the podium, while Andrea Stella expresses frustration over the Austin decisions.

Lando Norris tried to keep his composure at the end of the race in Austin.

The McLaren F1 driver feels he lost a podium that should have been his to Max Verstappen, especially after being unhappy with the Dutchman’s move at the start, which dropped him from pole to fourth place.

“I feel fine. Of course, it wasn’t my best race. With the loss at the first corner and just the race at the end, yeah, it clearly wasn’t enough. That’s life. I didn’t do a good enough job, but I gave it a shot, so I’m doing my best. Sometimes, my best isn’t enough. Today just wasn’t our day.”

Regarding the discussion he hopes to have with the stewards about Verstappen’s actions, he adds: “Maybe we’ll have a discussion. I feel like there are a lot of scenarios where people wouldn’t have been penalized if this had happened.”

Should he have given up his position faster to attempt an overtake again?

“It’s hard to know. Maybe it was my only chance. Max was defending well, and he wasn’t easy to pass, so it’s impossible to say.”

“The stewards obviously can’t decide over just a few laps, so it’s not an easy decision. Otherwise, it would have been made sooner.”

“I tried. He also went off track. So, if he’s off track, it’s clear he went too hard and gained an advantage by doing what he did. But I don’t make the rules, so…”

His boss, Andrea Stella, was more frustrated.

“I think the way the stewards interfered in a great sporting moment was inappropriate, as both cars went off track, giving an advantage to both.”

“It’s a shame because it cost us a podium in a race where we were patient after being forced off track in the first lap and the first corner. We accepted it.”

“That said, our position is very clear: this kind of decision is not subject to appeal. This chapter is now closed, and we move on to the next race.”

Stella Slams Austin Calls, Podium Lost Stella Slams Austin Calls, Podium Lost

F1 Standings 2025
F1 Standings 2025
#
Driver
Points
1
Driver Flag
Max Verstappen
Red Bull
0
2
Driver Flag
Lando Norris
McLaren
0
3
Driver Flag
Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
0
4
Driver Flag
Oscar Piastri
McLaren
0
5
Driver Flag
Carlos Sainz
Williams
0
6
Driver Flag
George Russell
Mercedes
0
#
Team
Points
1
McLaren
Norris & Piastri
0
2
Ferrari
Leclerc & Hamilton
0
3
Red Bull
Verstappen & Lawson
0
4
Mercedes
Russell & Antonelli
0
5
Aston Martin
Alonso & Stroll
0
6
Alpine
Gasly & Doohan
0
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13 Apr
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20 Apr
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