McLaren Urges FIA Review of F1 Penalties

In the latest Formula 1 race in Qatar, McLaren's Lando Norris received a controversial 10-second stop-go penalty for ignoring yellow flags caused by debris from Alex Albon's car, a decision that team principal Andrea Stella argues is disproportionate and could have serious implications for the championship. Despite Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing winning the race, the team faces elimination from title contention, trailing Ferrari by 38 points. The FIA has been criticized for not deploying a safety car to clear the debris, which later caused punctures for drivers Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz. McLaren has called for a review of how penalties are enforced to ensure fairness in the sport, emphasizing the need for proportionality in punishment. The FIA has acknowledged the need for clarification regarding their race decisions but has not yet provided a detailed response. The upcoming final race in Abu Dhabi could be pivotal for McLaren and Ferrari as they vie for the constructors' championship.