Toto Wolff has raised concerns about the inconsistent decisions made by the stewards during the United States Grand Prix, specifically highlighting the penalties issued to George Russell and Lando Norris. He described Russell’s five-second penalty for forcing Valtteri Bottas off the track as a “joke.” This sentiment was echoed by McLaren, who was upset over Norris’s penalty, suggesting a broader issue of bias in the stewards’ decision-making process.
During the race, Russell and Yuki Tsunoda both received penalties for similar incidents, while Max Verstappen escaped without sanctions after forcing Norris off the track. This inconsistency led Wolff to question the fairness of the officiating, especially when Norris was later penalized for overtaking Verstappen off the track after being forced out. Wolff emphasized that the disparity in penalties indicated a troubling bias within the stewarding system.
In a media briefing following the race, Wolff acknowledged the difficulties stewards face in making decisions and recognized that their rulings can leave some drivers unhappy. Nonetheless, he argued that it is essential to identify any patterns in the stewarding decisions that could reveal inconsistencies in how rules are applied. He described Russell’s penalty as particularly puzzling, especially given that similar incidents had not resulted in penalties in previous races.
While Wolff refrained from commenting directly on the Verstappen-Norris incident, he emphasized the need for transparency in stewarding decisions. He urged that a review of the stewarding process is necessary to understand the potential biases that exist. Although he noted the presence of competent stewards in the sport, he called for attention to those inconsistencies that have raised concerns among teams and drivers.
Ultimately, Wolff’s comments underscore a growing frustration within the paddock regarding the fairness of race officiating. He called on FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to investigate the stewarding decisions to ensure that all competitors are treated equitably, reinforcing the importance of maintaining integrity in Formula 1. Addressing these issues is crucial for restoring confidence among teams and fans in the fairness of the racing experience.