Wolff suggests stewards were 'bias' after Norris penalty in Verstappen duel
F1 News
Toto Wolff hinted he felt the stewards were 'biased' in their decision-making after Lando Norris was hit with a five-second penalty for overtaking Max Verstappen off the track. This followed the stewards' decision to penalise Mercedes driver George Russell for forcing Valtteri Bottas off the track earlier in the race.
Russell could overtake Valtteri Bottas into Turn 12; however, he pushed him wide in the process, and the stewards gave him a five-second penalty. Wolff was not happy with the decision, and he decided to let his driver know over the team radio. "Total joke, George, with the penalty, total joke," the Austrian said.
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris engaged in a duel towards the end of the race. Norris tried to overtake on the outside at turn 12 but completed the move outside the white line. The stewards, therefore, slapped him with a five-second penalty. The five seconds were enough to swap the order back over when the chequered flag dropped.
Why was Wolff bemused after the United States Grand Prix?
Russell and Wolff conversed over the team radio following the chequered flag. Russell asked if Verstappen had received a penalty: "Did Verstappen get a penalty for that turn one?" Wolff replied: "No, he didn't get a penalty. At the end, Lando got a penalty for being forced off and overtaking on the outside. I guess a bit biased decision making". Russell said he thought it was "strange".
Wolff elaborated on his thoughts in a conversation with Sky Sports after the race. “It’s inconsistent. With Valtteri [Bottas] it wasn’t even a race. Yesterday [Saturday Sprint race] we’ve seen a few of those incidents which were exactly the same that weren’t penalised, racing for real positions actually. Receiving that penalty is completely odd and bizarre. I think we know why but obviously I can’t say that on television," Wolff said before acknowledging the "difficult job" the stewards have.
"Some [stewards] are very good. Some are trying their best and you need to salute these guys," he added.