“Slow right down and come to pit lane immediately” – FIA Race Director Michael Masi justifies Lando Norris penalty points at Baku

Subham Jindal | 07/06/2021
“Slow right down and come to pit lane immediately" - FIA Race Director Michael Masi justifies Lando Norris penalty points at Baku

“Slow right down and come to pit lane immediately” – FIA Race Director Michael Masi believes Lando Norris should have been more aware of red flag rules after receiving three penalty points at Baku qualifying.

The generally cheerful Lando Norris went on a rant after Saturday qualifying at Baku, Azerbaijan. The race stewards were at the receiving end of it, who awarded the Mclaren driver a three-grid pit stop.  and three penalty points on his license. He started the race in P9 as a result but did well to finish P5. He won 10 championship points in the process, keeping him in the Top 5.

Norris felt the ruling was unfair, something FIA Race Director Michael Masi has categorically dismissed. Masi went on to confirm the three penalty points were due to the violation being a red flag infringement.

“To be fair, the first part is when, from karting all the way through to Formula 1, when a red flag is displayed, the meaning of that is very clear. Slow right down and come to pit lane immediately. So that there’s no ambiguity from a six-year-old, who’s in their first karting event through to Formula 1 is consistent across all circuit racing around.

“With regards to the penalty points and the actual penalty itself, obviously, the stewards can apply any of the penalties and any penalty points that they see appropriate in an incident.

“Yes, they do have a guideline to use. However, with regards to the penalty points, they felt that it was appropriate being a red flag infringement.”

Also read “More and more focused on creating a show” – Sebastian Vettel not too impressed with standing start after Verstappen red flag at Baku

Post Edited By: Subham Jindal
FIA Lando Norris Michael Masi

About the author

Subham Jindal

A Red - be it Manchester United or Ferrari. Hails from the hills of Kalimpong, Darjeeling. Aspiring to become a respected Sports Management professional.

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