FIA stands by Lando Norris penalty at Qatar GP

The FIA is standing by its decision to penalise McLaren driver Lando Norris at the Qatar Grand Prix.

Norris was given a 10-second stop-and-go penalty for failing to lift the throttle while double yellow flags were being waved.

The 25-year-old dropped from second to last among the remaining drivers, with the decision having a big impact in the Constructors' Championship battle.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff described the penalty as "brutal" in an interview with Sky Sports and accused officials of lacking consistency.

Lando Norris collected what could prove to be a crucial bonus point in his and McLaren's quest for constructors' glory Join @LandoNorris as he scoops the DHL Fastest Lap in Qatar! Full 2024 leaderboard https://t.co/sOAsD9IxzG#F1 #MomentsThatDeliver @DHL_Motorsports pic.twitter.com/k5ryP7jgCk

— Formula 1 (@F1) December 2, 2024

However, in a statement released on Monday, F1's governing body explained why the decision was the correct one.

"The penalty was in accordance with the penalty guidelines circulated to the teams on 19 February 2024," part of the statement read.

"A double yellow flag infringement is considered a serious compromise of safety, which is why such offences carry such a severe penalty."

The FIA went on to state that the specific scenario would be reviewed and a new process may be established down the line.

McLaren's lead over Ferrari has been cut to 21 points heading into the final round of the season in Abu Dhabi next weekend.