Lando Norris, alongside George Russell, Yuki Tsunoda, and Liam Lawson, is in the hot seat following an investigation by the FIA concerning a possible violation of the starting protocols at the Brazilian Grand Prix. This surprising twist emerged after the initial start was aborted due to an early mishap involving Lance Stroll at Turn 4, which resulted in his Aston Martin being stranded in the gravel.
The Formation Lap Drama
In what unfolded as a dramatic series of events, Norris initially started his formation lap without incident. However, with Stroll’s unforeseen exit from the track, the FIA made a critical decision to halt the original start just as drivers were assembling on the grid. In response to the “aborted start” signal, Norris prematurely set off for an additional formation lap, a move contravening established regulations.
Investigation Details
Following this, Norris, joined by Russell, Tsunoda, and Lawson, is now being scrutinised for identical breaches. According to Article 47.1 of the F1 Sporting Regulations, when an aborted start is declared, all vehicles are required to remain on the grid, and competitors are notified of any delay through official channels. The restart procedure then resumes after a ten-minute interval, with the session or race being shortened by a single lap for each occurrence.
Contrary to this rule, Norris should have maintained his position on the grid instead of embarking on another lap prematurely. This incident, occurring in plain view of other drivers like Max Verstappen, who initially adhered to the rules before moving off, underscores the critical nature of abiding by the official procedures during race events.
The FIA’s Stance
During the Brazilian GP, which successfully resumed following the resolution of the aborted start, officials confirmed that the investigation into the actions of Norris, Russell, Tsunoda, and Lawson would proceed post-race. The stewards’ panel will scrutinise the actions of these drivers to determine the appropriate response, if required.
Meanwhile, Russell, along with his Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton, is facing further inquiry pertaining to a suspected tyre infringement. Allegations suggest that the tyre pressures were altered while already fitted onto the vehicles on the grid, presenting another facet of intrigue to the weekend’s sequence of events.
Implications for the Grid
The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for the drivers involved and the teams they represent. Any resultant penalties or sanctions could impact their standings, adding an extra layer of complexity to the ongoing championship battles. Moreover, it serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of strict adherence to all racing regulations, underscoring the procedural discipline that the sport relies on to maintain its integrity.
This incident adds another chapter to the thrilling nature of the São Paulo Grand Prix and highlights the rigorous standards of regulation compliance expected within Formula 1 racing.
