McLaren star Lando Norris has been hit with a substantial €10,000 penalty following a dramatic pre-race incident involving Red Bull's Sergio Perez at the Miami Grand Prix.
The British driver found himself in hot water with race stewards after an unusual grid procedure violation that nearly resulted in a dangerous collision in the pit lane.
The Grid Tape Controversy
Norris was attempting to perform a practice start when he crossed the fast lane directly in front of Perez's accelerating Red Bull. The heart-stopping moment occurred as Norris manoeuvred around a piece of advertising signage that had become detached from his McLaren.
"He drove from the fast lane to the grid, crossing the path of Car 11 which had to take avoiding action," stated the official FIA document, highlighting the seriousness of the near-miss.
Stewards Deliver Verdict
Race officials determined that Norris created a potentially hazardous situation, though they acknowledged the mitigating circumstance of the advertising board issue. The €10,000 fine reflects the severity of the infringement while recognising the unusual context.
"The Stewards determine that the driver of Car 4 unnecessarily crossed the fast lane in the pit lane during the grid procedure," the ruling confirmed, adding that while dangerous, there were "significant mitigating circumstances."
Norris's Miami Performance
Despite the pre-race drama, Norris delivered an impressive performance on track, securing valuable championship points with a strong finish. The incident serves as a reminder of the intense pressure and split-second decisions that define Formula 1 racing.
This penalty comes at a crucial time in the championship battle, with every point and financial consideration carrying significant weight for teams operating within strict budget caps.
