McLaren argued that a recent teams manager meeting with the FIA showed that the understanding of all teams was that the alleged infringement should not be penalized. They presented video, audio, GPS, and timing evidence from eight instances where similar actions did not result in penalties. McLaren also claimed that Alex Albon did not lose position due to Norris’ actions during the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix.
Williams disagreed with McLaren’s assessment, stating that the recent team managers’ meeting was not significant and there was no general consensus against penalizing Norris. They cited previous instances where similar actions were penalized. Williams acknowledged that at the 2019 Canadian Grand Prix team bosses’ meeting, there was an understanding that creating a gap was acceptable.
