Lando Norris - Photo: Racepictures

Norris left frustrated by F1’s 'silliest rule' after US GP scare

10:59, 21 Oct

Updated: 15:15, 21 Oct

byTobia Elia

Lando Norris came close to receiving a penalty in the US Grand Prix after repeatedly exceeding track limits.

“I think that’s one of the silliest rules that we have. We’re invited to try and race, but if you race too much, you get a penalty for it”

- Lando Norris

Speaking to GPblog after the race, the Briton, who came close to receiving a penalty for exceeding track limits, had his say on the matter: “I think that’s one of the silliest rules that we have. We’re invited to try and race, but if you race too much, you get a penalty for it.

“And I got a track limits for trying to go around the outside and losing time to Charles. So, doesn’t really make much sense in terms of going racing. It definitely made my life that little bit trickier, especially turn 19, with the wind, it was pretty inconsistent.

He then added: “The places which were easy to go off were Turn 9 over the crest of the hill, and then the last two corners. I think I was on three strikes by like lap 10. So I didn’t put myself in the best position, but then one of my strikes was because I was racing.”

Norris was runner-up in the US GP - Photo: RacePictures

Finally, Norris admitted it was difficult to balance pushing to the limit with keeping the car within the track boundaries, but said he ultimately had to take risks to get past Leclerc and secure three crucial points.

“It’s difficult to just be always on the limit and not make mistakes, which I obviously made a couple too many of, too early on. But a little bit more cautious at the end because I knew I couldn’t afford a penalty, but I took the risks I needed to.”

Norris impress by Leclerc's pace in Austin

Norris’s race in Austin was one of patience and control. After losing out to Leclerc at the start — the Ferrari jumping ahead thanks to its softer rubber and stronger launch — the Briton was forced to bide his time through the early stages, waiting for the moment to strike. His chance finally came just before the pit stops, when tyre wear began to favour the McLaren.

Leclerc briefly regained the upper hand with a strategic undercut, but his resistance couldn’t last. In the closing laps, Norris powered back past to reclaim second place, though Verstappen was already too far ahead to be caught.

It wasn’t the win he had been chasing, but the result still delivered valuable championship points for Norris on a weekend when his teammate finished fifth.

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