Davidson’s Verdict: Expert Breakdown Supports Stewards’ Decision Against Norris at F1 United States GP

Specialist opinion supports race officials and undermines Lando Norris

Anthony Davidson's expert analysis dissects crucial event at the F1 United States Grand Prix

An expert review has concluded that the stewards made the correct call in penalizing Lando Norris during the F1 United States Grand Prix, highlighting their "consistent" judgment.

Norris fell from third to fourth place in the Texas race after receiving a five-second penalty for passing Max Verstappen outside the track limits at Turn 12, with just four laps left in the race.

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McLaren expressed their frustration with the decision made by the officials, but a detailed examination has not supported Norris's case.

Anthony Davidson of Sky Sports reviewed the slow-motion highlights and clarified the reasons behind the stewards' decision.

Davidson initially examined an earlier confrontation between Norris and Verstappen, noting, "This has been a recurring event throughout the weekend, especially at Turn 12.

During the 51st lap, Norris made an earlier move on Verstappen. Verstappen defended his position by sticking to the inside track, a common strategy to disrupt the attacking vehicle's preferred racing path.

He's essentially out of options. His vehicle isn't sufficiently parallel to take any impactful action. His best bet is to change lanes and emerge on the exterior, or perhaps attempt an inside move at Turn 13. However, Max has already secured that position.

"He makes a mistake at Turn 13, going off the track. This allows Lando to gain an unobstructed path ahead."

"He's having an almost excessively successful streak, in various respects. This now compels him to take an exterior route around Turns 14 into 15, which isn't exactly optimal. Being slightly back from the car ahead offers the chance to sneak inside at Turn 15, bringing the advantage of unpredictability.

"Max showcased exceptional defensive driving skills. What does it take to defend effectively? He provided a prime illustration of this, maintaining it over numerous laps."

Officials have maintained a steady approach. Regarding the contentious moment, Davidson assessed: "In the 52nd lap, Max initiated a maneuver significantly sooner than he had on the lap before.

"Lando considers a move to the inside before changing his mind. Now, he decides on the outside once more. However, this attempt is unlike his earlier one as he has now taken the lead at this point.

Currently, Norris is inclined to remain near the racing trajectory. However, the presence of Max on the interior side prevents him from adopting the racing line, a fact he's well aware of.

"Now the challenging scenario – considered to have been forced off the track, or not?

"The key question is: does the car overtaking assume the role of the aggressor? Are you ahead of the vehicle you're competing with?"

"[Max had] initiated his move even before they had fully approached the corner. According to the regulations, you must have a considerable portion of your vehicle in front of the one you're attempting to pass, particularly when you're the one overtaking and you're at the sharpest point of the turn. It's obvious that [Norris] hasn't achieved that.

"At the moment he becomes the pinnacle, he indeed is. Yet, at the crucial curve juncture, he's not.

"So the vehicle in the leading position has the advantage and can control where you position your car.

Attempting to overtake someone, hoping they'll allow you space on the outer side, is rather audacious. While it's possible, it's unlikely to occur with Verstappen. Norris is well aware of this.

"You might claim you were forced off the course. However, you weren't in the lead."

Norris and Verstappen were forced off the track while competing intensely for the last podium position.

Davidson mentioned, "Verstappen would be cautioned for straying off the track. Throughout the race, we observed drivers receiving warnings. He would be cautioned for exiting the track and obtaining an advantage.

"Lando, on the other hand, is passing a car off the circuit. Can you see the distinction? That's what I believe the officials noticed. They've maintained consistency throughout this weekend."

Davidson ultimately implored the Circuit of the Americas to modify Turn 12 to avert subsequent occurrences.

He expressed his last complaint, saying: "They really shouldn't be going off the track in the first place. I urge the Austin track to implement modifications! Add gravel in those areas! That way, it wouldn't even be a subject of discussion!"

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