McLaren’s team principal Andrea Stella shared his feelings following the penalties at the F1 Qatar GP. The weekend saw Lando Norris handed a 10-second stop-and-go penalty for failing to slow under yellow flag conditions.
FIA shake-ups prompted Stella to urge clarity and consistency in governance.
Speaking after the race, Stella addressed the penalty situation directly, emphasising the need for the FIA to evaluate its decision-making processes.
“We expect that this case of applying such a severe penalty will be reviewed by the FIA, and there is certainly, in our opinion, material for improvement,” he stated. While McLaren has yet to decide whether to appeal, Stella clarified that his focus lies on the sport’s future.
“When I say a review, I’m not saying a review that changes the outcome of this race,” he explained. “I’m thinking about the future of Formula One, not this event specifically.”
Norris’s penalty, which dropped him from second to tenth, sparked debate over the FIA’s inconsistent use of yellow flags. It also raised concerns about the FIA’s operations, following the dismissals of key figures like Tim Mayer and Niels Wittich.
While Stella avoided criticising these changes, he emphasized the need for transparency.
“I think when you run an institution like the FIA or for us running a team, there’s always a high degree of complexity and certainly as an institution, the FIA, I’m sure they value transparency and ultimately they’re not a competitor.
“They are in a neutral position and as much as possible, I’m sure they should clarify their decisions and behaviours,” he remarked.
However, he acknowledged the complexity of managing such an organisation. “At the same time, I accept that if they don’t want to do that, they will have their reasons,” he added.
Stella believes we must trust the FIA to uphold high standards in their role
The McLaren team principal said he was already busy managing his team and didn’t have time to question the FIA.
However, he expressed confidence in the FIA’s fairness and integrity after a series of dismissals by President Mohammed Ben Sulayem recently.
“The best thing we can do is just trust that the FIA and the management will not only regulate, police and govern the sport in the best way, but even apply the same high standards and principles in the way they run their institution,” he said.
The 53-year-old distanced himself from commenting on personnel changes within the FIA, instead urging for systemic improvement. “I don’t think I’m entitled, not competent, not informed enough to comment any further,” he stated.
“Certainly, as a team principal, I want high standards, principles and integrity in the way we run the Formula One team.
“I’m sure the FIA wants to meet the same kind of requirements.”
The controversy comes as the season heats up to a climax showdown, with McLaren and Ferrari locked in a fight for the constructors’ championship.
The 10-second stop-and-go penalty for Norris, alongside a string of other penalties handed to various drivers, has intensified scrutiny of the FIA’s decision-making during high-stakes races.
