Lando Norris in Miami Grand Prix investigation over…read more
McLaren have come under investigation following an unusual and potentially dangerous incident involving Lando Norris during the first practice session (FP1) at the Miami Grand Prix. With all 20 Formula 1 drivers heading out onto the track for the only practice opportunity of the weekend, Norris reported alarming issues from inside his cockpit.
Over team radio, Norris expressed serious concern, stating that his car felt like it was “falling apart” and accused the team of leaving tools inside the vehicle. “You’ve left so many tools in the cockpit, everything is just falling apart,” he said, before requesting to return to the pit lane: “I’ll have to box this lap.”
Once Norris returned to the garage, McLaren mechanics removed several forgotten items from the cockpit, including an LED torch, which had apparently been mistakenly left behind after pre-session preparations. The presence of these tools raised immediate safety concerns, as any loose item in a high-speed F1 cockpit can pose significant risk to both the driver and others on the track.
Race Control swiftly noted the situation, labeling it a potential case of “releasing the car in an unsafe condition.” The FIA followed up by summoning a McLaren representative to appear before the stewards after the session concluded. The incident is being reviewed as a possible violation of Article 34.14 (c) of the FIA Sporting Regulations. This regulation governs the release of cars onto the track and mandates that vehicles must be in safe working order when allowed to rejoin the circuit.
Although Norris was able to continue participating in FP1 after the tools were removed, the investigation casts a shadow over McLaren’s weekend. With only one practice session before the sprint qualifying session begins, every minute of track time is critical.
If the stewards determine that McLaren breached the regulation, they have the authority to impose penalties. These could include a grid position drop for Norris, which would apply to either the main race or the sprint race, depending on the timing of the infringement. According to the regulations, the penalty is at the discretion of the stewards, who will consider the severity of the oversight.
As of now, no formal penalty has been announced, but the FIA’s stance on safety-related infractions is typically strict. The investigation remains ongoing, and fans, teams, and pundits alike are awaiting the stewards’ final decision, which could impact Norris’ starting position and McLaren’s strategy for the rest of the Miami Grand Prix weekend.
