Norris condemns "stupid" red flag rule that "ruins everything"
Norris condemns "stupid" red flag rule that "ruins everything"
Lando Norris has slated the "stupid" F1 red flag rules that "ruined" his Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Under current regulations, when the red flags are shown mechanics are free to repair damage to the cars and, to the ire of numerous drivers, can change tyres.
This second point was of particular relevance in Saudi Arabia as it allowed Max Verstappen to assume the lead of the race after the first stoppage with Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas both having stopped when the initial safety car period was declared.
Norris was also caught out by this, pitting from sixth only to drop to P14 as others benefited from the free stop.
Not hiding his feelings on the rule, Norris said: "I think I should get given access to the rule book to then delete this code of people are allowed to change tyres for free in a pit stop under a red flag."
Norris recovered to finish tenth to score a single point to extend his scoring run to nine races, although this provided little comfort to the McLaren driver.
Asked if this rule is what annoys him the most in F1, Norris explained: "Of course.
"It's happened a few times - Monza last year, there was a free pit stop and it ruined our race. Mugello as well, our race was ruined, and here the same.
"Of course, I'm always on the bad end of it. It probably sucks more for me than anyone.
"It's just a very unfair rule that should be taken away. They should change it to one mandatory pit stop with two different tyre sets needed to be used, and that's acceptable.
"This just ruins everything. You put so much effort in just for it to be taken away with some stupid rule."
Red flag rule 'focused on TV'
On the Friday evening of each race weekend, drivers meet with race director Michael Masi to express concerns or raise questions with a view to qualifying or the race.
Norris confirmed that, despite having raised the red flag tyre ruling twice already, he does not expect a change to be made.
"I brought it up already when it happened the first time and the second time," Norris added.
"I can say whatever I need to, whatever I want to or whatever I believe in but I don't write it [the rules].
"It obviously makes it exciting from a tv point of view, so if that's what they want to focus on, they want the viewers to stay up then, of course, keep it.
"But it ruins racing from my point of view, ruins the effort you put into it."
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
Ferrari announce DRASTIC change as Verstappen issues dire warning to bosses - GPFans F1 Recap
- 3 hours ago
Hamilton sends strong message over Gaza deaths
- Yesterday 22:57
F1 giants announce name change with IMMEDIATE effect
- Yesterday 21:57
Horner admits Red Bull at MAJOR disadvantage with new rules
- Yesterday 20:57
Horner reveals 'unhuman' Verstappen secret
- Yesterday 19:57
Sainz manager speaks out on 'game playing' over contract
- Yesterday 18:57
Related news
Red Bull F1 stars offer contrasting F1 advice to next generation
F1 pundit details GLARING Mercedes issue
Bearman reveals F1 LEGEND 'message' sent to him before Ferrari debut
Hamilton hug with Bearman and Tsunoda BLANKS Sky presenter – FIVE things you may have missed at the Saudi Arabian GP
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860