Norris Slapped Down: Ferrari Breathes Sigh of Relief as Verstappen Gains Ground in Title Race

McLaren's attempt to have Lando Norris' five-second penalty overturned was rejected by FIA stewards on Tuesday, in a move set to have massive implications for the remainder of the championship. Norris, who was initially demoted from second place to fourth after being handed the penalty in the United States Grand Prix last weekend, failed in his bid to have the decision reversed, which means he falls further behind title rival Max Verstappen in the drivers' standings.

Norris was found to have 'persistently' left his car track during the US Grand Prix, with stewards initially concluding the McLaren driver was guilty of a 'consistent pattern' of abuse of track limits. And despite McLaren presenting new evidence in their bid to have the penalty overturned, stewards were unmoved by the arguments put forward by the British team, choosing instead to uphold the original decision.

The decision will be a devastating blow to Norris, who had been hoping for a top two finish to boost his chances of catching the championship leader. But with the points deduction for finishing in fourth now set to stand, the pressure will be firmly on the young Brit as he battles to keep his title hopes on track. In contrast, there will be relief emanating from the Ferrari camp after the Italian outfit struggled in Austin, with their drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz complaining about the lack of speed in their cars. Meanwhile, the decision also enhances title leader Max Verstappen's championship prospects, as the Dutchman increased his lead at the top to an impressive 34 points.