Brawn calls for better F1 penalty review system

Formula 1 should look at a new judicial review system in light of Max Verstappen’s US Grand Prix penalty, according to Ross Brawn.

Verstappen lost a podium finish when FIA stewards issued a five-second penalty for shortcutting the circuit to pass Kimi Raikkonen at the second-last corner of the race.

The Dutchman labelled the stewards ‘idiots’ while the call generated much debate.

Verstappen clearly drove all four wheels beyond the track limits, but a number of other instances of drivers doing the same went unpunished.

Red Bull Racing and their driver were also aggrieved that the decision to punish him was done so quickly, without the chance to speak to the drivers involved.

Brawn, who is F1’s managing director of motorsports, thinks the time has come to ensure that in repeat incidents in the future there is the chance for those involved in the case to put their side of events across.

Writing in his regular post-race newsletter, Brawn said that it would be better if the teams could speak with the FIA.

“I believe that once the dust is settled on this episode it would be good to review cases such as this with all the relevant parties – the FIA and the teams,” said Brawn.

“In every sport technology is becoming more and more important in allowing referees to take sporting decisions with more accuracy and readiness.

“It’s happening even in football, where a video review system is in place in leagues like Bundesliga in Germany and Serie A in Italy.

“In Formula 1 we already have exceptional video technology but I think we need to look at how we utilise it in order to maintain accuracy and consistency.”