Red flag: The sanction imposed on Norris could have been heavier
Lando Norris and McLaren have deemed severe the penalty received by the British driver. For their part, the commissioners claim to have shown leniency.
This is an action that could have cost him more. This Saturday, Lando Norris was penalized 3 places on the starting grid (and 3 penalty points on his superlicense) for not immediately returning to the pit lane after the red flag in Q1.
Upon learning of this sanction, the McLaren driver considered it unjust and requested more leniency in certain situations. The McLaren team principal, Andreas Seidl, also called for more flexibility.
Not having the possibility of receiving a reprimand for it, for example, and the need to impose a penalty, is disappointing. But in the end, that’s how it is, there is no point in wasting more energy on this. (F), he declared.
However, Lando Norris did benefit from the leniency of the stewards. Former driver Enrique Bernoldi – who was acting as a steward in Baku – pointed out that this infraction is usually punished with a 5-place penalty. Why this leniency? Because the Briton was too close to the pit lane when the red flag came out to react properly.
Race director Michael Masi even allowed himself a little reminder of the rule, which is implemented from the smallest categories. From karting to Formula 1, when a red flag is waved, the meaning is very clear: slow down and immediately return to the pit. So there is no ambiguity, from a six-year-old child participating in his first karting race to Formula 1. It is a constant on all race circuits.
Despite the understanding and flexibility of the stewards regarding the grid penalty, Lando Norris did not benefit from the same leniency when it came to penalty points on his license.
« Regarding the points and the penalty itself, the stewards may apply the sanctions they deem appropriate for an incident (…). However, as for the penalty points, they felt it was appropriate as it was an offense under a red flag. », says Michael Masi.
