McLaren 'has questions' over stewards' ruling on Verstappen incident

McLaren boss Andreas Seidl says the FIA's decision not to reopen the case involving Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in Brazil has led to more questions than answers regarding defensive moves by drivers.

Verstappen was absolved of any wrongdoing by the stewards following the Red Bull driver's controversial move in Sao Paulo, when he defended in the middle of Interlagos' Turn 4 by running wide and pushing himself and Hamilton off the track.

The FIA confirmed the stewards' view by rejecting Mercedes' request for a review of the incident, permanently closing the case.

But Seidl believes the decision not to punish Verstappen in Brazil was not consistent with previous decisions calls, citing Lando Norris' move on Red Bull's Sergio Perez in Austria earlier this year for which the McLaren driver was handed a time penalty.

"Looking at the comparison with Lando’s case, we definitely have some questions," Seidl said, quoted by Motorsport.com.

"Lando got a penalty in Austria for something which, from our point of view was debatable. You can definitely argue that what happened in Austria was Lando’s corner.

"It was different to what we have seen in Brazil and therefore we are very interested on, not necessarily the ruling from today, or the outcome of today’s investigation, because that’s a different process, but more understanding what Michael [Masi] will brief to the drivers in the drivers’ briefing, on how they see things moving forward.

"I think whatever the outcome is, it will definitely change the approach of the drivers to certain manoeuvres on track. That’s why it’s interesting to clarify."

• Read also: FIA rejects Mercedes' request to review Verstappen/Hamilton incident

Seidl is a strong proponent of a 'let them race' policy. But in light of the FIA's most recent decision, he's urging FIA race director Michael Masi to put forth a clear policy.

"That’s why it will be very interesting what the drivers will hear from Michael in the drivers’ briefing," he added.

"I think, compared to the past and some years ago, definitely we have switched more towards let them race.

"But again, knowing how difficult it is also to judge all the different cases, what is inconsistent is clearly the penalty for example that Lando got in Austria and what we have seen last weekend.

"That’s why I think it’s just important to clarify that every driver knows what he can do and what he can’t do."

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