Brown argues stewards 'pressure' behind rapid Norris penalty

McLaren CEO Zak Brown believes the stewards "felt some pressure" during last weekend's United States Grand Prix, to decide the outcome of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris' lap 52 incident before the end of the race. 

Norris received a five-second time penalty in the final few laps which demoted him from third to fourth after being judged as having gained an advantage off the circuit. 

The McLaren driver rejoined the Circuit of the Americas on the exit of Turn 12 ahead of Verstappen in their battle for third, following both drivers running off the track. 

Verstappen and Norris entered the corner alongside each other, with the latter having been on the outside of the reigning world champion. 

McLaren are adamant Norris should not have been penalised and that he was ahead as the pair entered the corner, triggering the decision to activate its right of review. 

The review is being heard on Friday by the US GP stewards.

"We obviously disagree with the outcome there, hence wanting to have another conversation," Brown told Sky Sports F1. 

"But, yeah, best we leave it to let that meeting happen and then see what comes of it. These things are difficult, but we have a different view. 

"I think a lot of people agree with our view that Lando's in front and if you look at it from that perspective, you maybe have a different outcome on that corner, but let's see."

Brown details 'better approach'

In recent seasons, the stewards have come under scrutiny for changing the podium finishers after a race.

Brown believes the speed of which Norris was penalised by the stewards was in an attempt to avoid a post-race podium switch; however, he insists having the correct podium trio is more important.

When asked if prioritising the right result should be more important, Brown replied: "I think so. I think you got to go for the right result.

"Unfortunately, it happened towards the end, so I do think they [the stewards] probably felt some pressure, because I think it was Mexico a year or two ago where you had a podium swap.

"That's not ideal, but what's ideal is the right outcome, and if that means a podium swap or a bit of a delay, I think that's the better approach."