Lando Norris Blasts “Silliest” FIA Rule After Narrow Escape from Penalty at US Grand Prix
Lando Norris has strongly criticised what he called one of the “silliest” rules in Formula 1, after narrowly avoiding a costly penalty during the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas. The McLaren driver, who finished second behind Max Verstappen in Austin, said that the FIA’s strict enforcement of track limits is discouraging drivers from racing aggressively — something he believes goes against the spirit of Formula 1.
During Sunday’s race, Norris was handed a black-and-white flag on lap 26 after exceeding track limits three times. Under FIA regulations, a fourth infringement automatically results in a five-second time penalty. This meant the British driver was forced to manage the remaining 30 laps with extreme caution, balancing speed and precision to ensure he stayed within the white lines while still fending off challenges from behind.
“It was really difficult,” Norris admitted after the race. “I had to drive almost perfectly for the last 30 laps. One more mistake and it would have cost me five seconds, which would have dropped me off the podium completely. I get why the rule is there, but sometimes it feels like it punishes you for trying to race.”
Despite his frustration, Norris managed to keep his McLaren clean and on track, securing another impressive podium finish for the team. However, he was quick to point out that the rule almost prevented him from engaging in proper battles on track — especially if he had been close enough to challenge race leader Max Verstappen for the win.
“If I’d been fighting Max at the front, I probably wouldn’t have been able to push,” he continued. “You have to drive so conservatively because you’re scared of getting that next track limits warning. The places where it’s easy to go off — turn nine, over the crest, and the last two corners — they’re so tricky. You’re right on the limit, and it’s easy to go slightly wide without gaining any real advantage.”
Norris revealed that his troubles began early in the race. “I think I was already on three strikes by lap 10,” he said with a laugh. “So I didn’t exactly put myself in the best position. But one of those strikes came while I was racing — I went around the outside of Charles [Leclerc] and actually lost time doing it. Still, I got a warning for track limits. That’s the part I don’t understand. We’re told to race, but then we get punished for racing too much. It just doesn’t make sense.”
The FIA’s strict approach to track limits has been a major talking point throughout the 2025 Formula 1 season, with several drivers voicing their concerns over how the rules are enforced. Many argue that minor infractions — especially those that don’t lead to a time gain — should be reviewed differently. The Circuit of the Americas, known for its sweeping corners and elevation changes, made it particularly difficult for drivers to stay within the white lines consistently.
Norris’ comments add to a growing chorus of discontent from the grid. Drivers like Max Verstappen, George Russell, and Carlos Sainz have all voiced similar frustrations in recent months. Verstappen himself previously described the constant monitoring of track limits as “too strict” and said that it takes away from the essence of wheel-to-wheel racing.
While Norris avoided any further penalties and managed to claim a well-earned second place, his remarks have reignited debate over whether the FIA needs to review how track limits are judged. “We’re racing at the limit of what these cars can do,” Norris said. “Sometimes you go wide, sometimes you slide — that’s what racing is about. It shouldn’t always be about policing every inch of the track.”
His near-miss in Austin serves as yet another reminder that while Formula 1 continues to evolve with technology and regulation, the balance between fairness and racing freedom remains a constant struggle. For Lando Norris, the rulebook might be necessary — but some parts, he insists, still need a serious rethink.
