F1: “I’m surprised…,” Lando Norris on 5-second penalty in Canadian Grand Prix

The Canadian Grand Prix brought disappointment for McLaren supporters as Lando Norris incurred a five-second time penalty, raising doubts about the stewards’ judgment. The penalty was a result of what the stewards deemed as “unsportsmanlike behavior.” Let’s delve into the details of this significant incident that unfolded in Montreal.

On lap 12 of the race, George Russell, representing Mercedes, made contact with the outer wall of the Turn 8-9 chicane, leading to damage that ultimately forced him to retire. This incident prompted the opening of the pit stop window, with drivers like Pierre Gasly taking advantage of the opportunity to make their pit stops. Norris, starting from eighth on the grid, managed to climb to sixth position before the deployment of the Safety Car. He found himself trailing his teammate Oscar Piastri, closely pursued by Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari.

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Following the race, Norris expressed his disagreement with the penalty, stating that his actions during the Safety Car period were a common practice among Formula 1 drivers. Norris argued that he maintained a slight deviation from his expected lap time, which is often seen among his competitors. He explained that he slowed down and sped up to maintain tire temperature, creating gaps as is customary. Norris expressed his confusion and surprise regarding the penalty, emphasizing that he followed the team’s instructions. Despite his efforts to warm up the tires before receiving the pit call, McLaren failed to secure any points, with Norris finishing in 13th place and Piastri in 11th.

This incident marks the fifth time in eight races this season that McLaren has failed to score with either of their cars. While Norris showcased a commendable performance, the team will undoubtedly be disappointed by the outcome. The controversy surrounding the stewards’ decision adds another layer of intrigue to the Canadian Grand Prix.