Norris mocks Red Bull for failed attempt with tape on the grid

Lando Norris mocks Red Bull for failed attempt at the United States Grand Prix

McLaren driver Lando Norris has downplayed Red Bull’s attempts to remove tape from his pit wall, used as a visual reference to ensure a correct starting position on the grid. In the United States Grand Prix, the FIA fined Red Bull 50,000 euros, of which half was suspended, after one of its mechanics tried to re-enter the grid once the formation lap had started to remove tape. Norris used the tape on the wall as a reference for the grid markings, thus preventing possible penalties for a jump start. Although the sanction against Red Bull was due to re-entering the pit wall area, contrary to the instructions of the stewards, and not for the attempt to remove the tape, the situation has generated expectation for the Mexican Grand Prix.

“Good job on your part,” Norris commented, “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

The British driver revealed that Red Bull mechanics had already removed the tape in previous races, which led McLaren to make cuts in the tape or add additional layers to make it harder to remove. “It’s just an extra help if I need it,” Norris explained. “I used it for a while and they already tried to remove it, I think in Monza and other places. That’s why we made it like the parking passes of the F1 cars that you can never take out of the window, like that.” Norris also stated that McLaren will continue to use the tape, even though they usually use a yellow line painted next to the grid position as a visual reference. “I will continue using it. Sometimes I don’t even use it because it’s too far away. But I’d say that in 95% of the races I now use the grid line.”

The news of the incident in Austin comes after five races in which Max Verstappen, of Red Bull, has reduced the gap with Norris and his teammate, Oscar Piastri, in the fight for the title, adding tension to the rivalry between both teams. When asked about the mechanic’s actions, Verstappen pointed out that the fine was not imposed for removing the tape, but for being on the grid after receiving the order to leave. «I guess in Austin it took a little longer [to get off the grid] for whatever reason and, yes, the door closed, but I don’t know if he was instructed correctly or not to stay out of the way. I think it’s pretty clear, isn’t it?, how they explained it to the stewards as well. So, I think it’s quite understandable that you get fined for that». «And it doesn’t even have anything to do with the tape: the door closing procedure cannot be delayed».