This year's United States Grand Prix delivered numerous intense and exciting battles, some of which caught the attention of the FIA for not complying with Formula 1 rules.

The race stewards issued several 5-second time penalties to various drivers for different rule violations.

Mercedes' George Russell received a five-second penalty early in the race for forcing Valtteri Bottas off-track at Turn 12, while RB’s Yuki Tsunoda suffered the same punishment for pushing Alex Albon wide during their battle later on.

Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and McLaren’s Lando Norris then received the same penalty but for overtaking outside the track and gaining an advantage.

The incident involving Norris drew particular attention, as many felt it was more Max Verstappen's fault for pushing the Briton wide.

This view was bolstered by the fact that Verstappen had already escaped a possible penalty for his aggressive maneuver at Turn 1 against Norris, which let Charles Leclerc slip through on his way to victory—an incident that the FIA chose not to investigate.

This left Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff frustrated, and after initially labeling Russell's penalty a "total joke" over the team radio, he questioned possible bias in FIA decisions.

“I guess it is a bit biased decision-making. It is inconsistent. With Valtteri [Bottas], it wasn't even a race,” he told Sky Sports F1 comparing Norris' penalty to Russell's.

“[In the sprint] we saw a few of those incidents that were exactly the same and weren't penalised when racing for positions, real positions actually.

“So receiving that penalty is completely odd and bizarre. I think we know why, but I can't say that on television.

“Sometimes there are correlations. When there is decision-making that is a bit interesting,” Wolff added.

However, he also pointed out how challenging the job of a steward is and emphasized that their work should still be appreciated.

“At the end of the day, it is a difficult job. Some are very good, some are trying their best, and you need to salute these guys.”

Heading into this weekend's Mexican Grand Prix, Mercedes sits fourth in the Constructors' Championship, with the closest top team being Ferrari in third place, 152 points ahead of the Brackley team.