Norris mocks Red Bull’s attempts to remove the tape from the pit wall
Lando Norris, McLaren driver, has downplayed Red Bull’s attempts to remove the tape from the pit wall that he was using as a visual aid. This tape served to ensure that his single-seater was not too far forward on the starting grid. In the United States Grand Prix, the FIA imposed a fine of 50,000 euros on Red Bull, of which half was suspended. The punishment was due to one of its mechanics trying to re-enter the grid once the formation lap had begun to remove tape. Norris uses the tape on the pit wall as a reference for the marks on the grid itself, to avoid penalties for a premature start. Although Red Bull’s fine was due to the mechanic re-entering the pit wall area against the instructions of the stewards, and not for trying to remove the tape, the story has gained momentum ahead of this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix. Norris compared the mechanics’ actions to “side missions” in the fight for the title between the McLaren drivers and Max Verstappen of Red Bull, stating that it had no effect on his exit in Austin, as he only uses the tape as a backup.The British driver revealed that Red Bull mechanics had managed to remove the tape in previous races, which led McLaren to make cuts in the tape or add two layers to make it difficult to remove in one go. Norris explained that the tape is just a “backup” and that he uses it on some occasions. In addition, he mentioned that in most races he uses the yellow line painted next to the grid position as a visual aid. The news of the incident in Austin came after five races in which Verstappen, of Red Bull, has reduced the distance with Norris and his teammate, Oscar Piastri, in the fight for the title, adding more tension to the rivalry between both teams. When Verstappen was asked about the mechanic’s actions, he pointed out that the fine was not imposed for removing the tape, but for being on the grid after being told to leave. Verstappen added that the incident in Austin went on a little longer than normal, and that the door closed. He also said that he wasn’t sure if the mechanic had received the correct instructions to stay out.“Good for them,” Norris said when asked about Red Bull’s actions. “Because they can [do it according to the regulations]. But it didn’t matter, I didn’t use the tape, so it was a lot of fun, because I didn’t need it.”
Lando Norris
