At the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, Lando Norris came under intense criticism after receiving what many deemed a lenient punishment following his collision with Oscar Piastri. The incident unfolded as Norris attempted an aggressive pass on the pit straight, causing Piastri to crash out due to severe damage. Despite admitting fault and apologizing, Norris was handed only a five-second penalty and avoided any penalty points on his superlicence, sparking widespread dismay among drivers and fans.

Experts Debate the Severity and Consistency of Penalties

F1 journalist Ewan Gale criticized the ruling, describing Norris’s penalty as insufficient for the seriousness of the incident. Gale remarked that the situation reflected a misjudgment rather than a reckless driving violation but stressed the importance of penalty consistency. He pointed out the surprising omission of penalty points as a notable flaw in the stewards’ decision-making process.

On the other hand, F1 commentator Brandon Sutton argued that Norris’s loss of championship points to his title rival already acted as a form of punishment. Sutton suggested the 12-point deficit was a natural consequence severe enough to make further penalties unnecessary. However, the contrast between Norris’s penalty and that of Max Verstappen—who was assigned 11 penalty points and faced a potential race ban—has fueled accusations of unequal treatment within FIA rulings.

Concerns Over FIA’s Uneven Enforcement and Evolving Regulations

Sutton also criticized the FIA’s inconsistent approach to penalties, especially regarding safety car violations. He attributed these disparities to unclear rules, shifting regulations, and the rotating roster of driver stewards and race directors. This lack of a uniform disciplinary framework has caused frustration among competitors and supporters alike, who see the consequences as unpredictable and unfair.

The ongoing controversy amplifies broader concerns about fairness and transparency within Formula 1’s governing body. Questions continue to arise about how the FIA enforces penalties and whether reforms are required to restore confidence in the integrity of race adjudications.