McLaren reveal "clever" Sainz redress with Norris in USGP

McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl has explained how Carlos Sainz conceded position to Lando Norris in a "clever way" to get straight back through at the United States Grand Prix.

In the frantic opening exchanges at the Circuit of the Americas, Sainz ran wide at turn 12, passing Norris in the process.

Before Sainz could allow Norris back through, Ricciardo passed his team-mate and the Spaniard inadvertently allowed the Australian by instead in an attempt to rectify the situation.

Sainz was then instructed to fall back behind Norris or face a penalty and although missed by the cameras, Seidl confirmed the switch had taken place despite its short-lived effect.

“With the incident between Carlos and Lando, it was clear that Carlos only got Lando back because he went off the track," explained Seidl.

"So that is why we clearly expected that he had to give the position back which then he had to do later on.

“But, unfortunately, he did it in a clever way so that he could actually overtake Lando back straightaway on the next straight so we couldn’t benefit from that.

“Then, in the end, with Lando not making up any positions in the first laps, I think his race was pretty much done.”

Asked of his surprise that the stewards had not taken a dim view on the Ferrari driver's tactics, Seidl added: "It’s obviously not the idea of giving the position back but let’s see.

"We need to analyse again in detail, speak with Lando to see what he thinks about it and then I would say, as long as the rules are like they are, say hats off to Carlos that he did it in a clever way.”

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