F1 News Today: Norris slips up as FIA penalty verdict changes…readmore
In a dramatic turn of events at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, Lando Norris clinched victory on the track, but subsequent FIA decisions altered the final standings.
The race, held on March 16, 2025, at Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit, was marred by unpredictable weather conditions, leading to multiple crashes and safety car periods. Norris, representing McLaren, started from pole position and maintained a strong lead throughout the race. Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing, who started third, mounted a significant challenge in the closing laps but finished 0.895 seconds behind Norris.
However, post-race scrutiny revealed that Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli had been unfairly penalized. Initially, Antonelli received a five-second time penalty for an alleged unsafe release during a pit stop, dropping him from fourth to fifth position. Mercedes appealed the decision, presenting new evidence that led the FIA to overturn the penalty, reinstating Antonelli to fourth place.
This reversal had significant implications for the Constructors’ Championship standings. With Antonelli’s points restored, Mercedes gained a crucial advantage, narrowing the gap to McLaren, who remained in the lead but with a reduced margin.
The race was also notable for the performance of other drivers. George Russell secured third place for Mercedes, while Norris’s teammate, Oscar Piastri, finished ninth after a spin. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, making his debut with the team, faced challenges, with Hamilton finishing tenth.
In summary, while Lando Norris’s on-track performance initially secured him victory, FIA post-race decisions, including the overturning of Antonelli’s penalty, significantly impacted the final race results and the championship standings.
