McLaren’s Lando Norris had a controversial qualifying session at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. After he was unable to enter the pit lane after a red flag, the FIA rewarded him with a three-place penalty and three points on his super license. The 21-year-old did not agree with the decision, but FIA boss Michael Massi had rejected his complaints and said that the rules of the red flags were very clear.
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
Despite a disappointing qualification, Norris drove a very positive race on Sunday and crossed the finish line in fifth.
FIA boss Massi believes Lando Norris should read the rulebook
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
As quoted by RacingNews365, Massi said, “To be fair, the first part is when from karting to Formula 1 there is a red flag displayed, which is very clear.”
“Will drive slower and enter the pit lane immediately. So that there is no confusion, from a six-year-old who drives in his first karting event to Formula 1, he is constant across all circuits. “
He added, “With regard to the penalty points and the actual penalty itself, the stewards may of course apply any of the penalties and any penalty points they deem appropriate in the event of an incident.”
Formula 1 F1 – Formula 1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – June 3, 2021 McLaren’s Lando Norris during the pool press conference via REUTERS / Mark Sutton
“Yes, they have a policy to use. In these circumstances, however, they considered it appropriate not to apply the Directive because of the extenuating circumstances which constituted a more severe penalty.
“However, in terms of penalty points, they felt it was appropriate to be a red flag violation,” concluded Massi.
View history: Shortest F1 driver of all time with Yuki Tsunoda & Lando Norris
How did Norris play in Baku?
The young McLaren driver nevertheless made it into Q3 on Saturday and fought for a sixth place on the grid. The joy was short-lived, however, as the penalty forced him to start the Azerbaijan GP from ninth place.
Lando saved his weekend by making up a few positions over the course of the race. When the checkered flag fell, he found himself in fifth place and earned his colleague from Woking 10 points.
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
Formula 1 F1 – Spanish Grand Prix – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain – May 8th 2021 McLaren’s Lando Norris in action during the training pool via REUTERS / Nacho Doce
Now he will be watching the French GP in the coming weeks and trying to avoid the same mistake Baku made.
Do you think the punishment for Norris is fair? Let us know in the comments below.
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
DIVE DEEPER
