The scene was comical, and for a long time left doubt over the sporting results of Lando Norris and George Russell during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. While Lance Stroll went out during the first formation lap, the race management decided to initiate the aborted start procedure. Normally, in this specific case, the drivers are supposed to remain stationary on their grid locations. At the front of the line, Norris and Russell set off for a second formation lap, taking the entire peloton behind them and pushing the race direction to open an investigation into this non-compliance with the procedure.
“While the signal was given appropriately, the light panel illuminated as expected, and the teams were informed via the messaging system, the driver (Norris) left the grid and began a lap which he assumed was an extra training round. As the driver was on the first row of the grid, the following drivers reacted in the same way. detailed the commissioners in the official document, to explain the circumstances.
Russell and Norris financially sanctioned
“At one point the race director, realizing that for practical reasons all cars therefore had to complete an additional formation lap, gave an instruction to the teams for all cars to continue and return to the grid in order to follow the correct interrupted start procedure. In the opinion of the stewards, driver Norris precipitated the action of the drivers who were on the grid directly behind him.” This is the reason why the McLaren driver was financially penalized to the tune of 5,000 euros in addition to a reprimand.
Same sanction for George Russell, his compatriot and front-line friend. “As the driver was on the first row of the grid, the following drivers took similar measures (…) In the opinion of the stewards, the driver Russell precipitated the action of the drivers who were on the grid directly behind him.” In other words, Lando Norris and George Russell were held equally accountable. They can at least consider themselves lucky not to have been sanctioned sportingly.
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