Lando Norris delivered a frank warning to F1 executives following a last-minute rule modification over the weekend in response to an incident involving Max Verstappen and Mercedes. Lando Norris has slammed F1 officials for implementing a “terrible rule” at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. After a series of incidents this season, including a clash between Max Verstappen and the Mercedes drivers on Friday, the FIA has outlawed overtaking at pit exit.
During the second practice session, Verstappen, the world champion, found himself stuck behind Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in the pit lane. He accused the Mercedes duo of attempting to push him towards the wall as he tried to navigate through the traffic. The issue of cars positioning themselves at the pit lane’s end during practice and qualifying isn’t new. Drivers aim to enter the track with a favorable gap between those ahead and behind them.
This situation arises because drivers must adhere to a maximum lap time, or delta, to prevent slow-moving cars on the track that could create open space for a fast flying lap. Consequently, the FIA initially permitted overtaking at the pit exit but reverted that rule after the incident between Red Bull and Mercedes on Friday.
However, drivers have strongly criticized this decision. Norris from McLaren believes that there’s a significant flaw in the regulation change if it continues into the next season. He points out that if there’s a red flag late in a qualifying session, the prohibition of overtaking at the pit exit will restrict the number of drivers who can complete a flying lap once the session resumes.
“I think it’s a terrible rule,” Norris said in an interview with Planet F1. “The thing is, they need the rule because of the other stupid rule they made us do.” The trouble is, if there’s a red flag and three minutes left, only about three vehicles will get to do a lap. We should simply return to the previous state.”
Fernando Alonso, the driver of Aston Martin, is also fed up with the FIA’s meddling. He argues that the gradual modifications in regulations over the years have rendered qualifying sessions “obsolete” and have significantly diminished the entertainment value for fans.
”Exits did not assist or worsen things,” the Spaniard said at the season’s end. “It didn’t make much of a difference, but it demonstrates that the qualifying format is obsolete.”
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