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FIA Issues Official Warning to McLaren After Lando Norris Cockpit Incident at Miami Grand Prix
The FIA has issued its final decision regarding the peculiar incident involving Lando Norris during the first practice session (FP1) at the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. After an investigation, the governing body has chosen to hand McLaren an official warning, rather than impose a harsher penalty, such as a grid drop.
The issue occurred early in FP1 when Norris radioed his team with an unusual complaint—he had discovered tools and a flashlight still in his cockpit after he had taken to the track. Norris immediately returned to the pits, reporting that the leftover equipment had not been removed before the car was released from the garage.
This incident triggered a review by the FIA stewards, as the presence of loose objects in the cockpit could pose serious safety risks. The team was suspected of breaching Article 34.14 c) of the FIA Sporting Regulations, which prohibits releasing a car in an unsafe condition. Violations of this rule can result in various penalties, including grid drops.
However, after hearing from the team and evaluating the circumstances, the stewards determined that the error was not intentional. McLaren admitted to the oversight during the official hearing and explained that two torches had inadvertently been left inside the car. The stewards also took into account Norris’s immediate reaction. As soon as he noticed the objects, he acted quickly to secure them and returned to the pits at a reduced speed to ensure the situation did not become hazardous.
The FIA released a statement summarizing the findings: “The team admitted in the hearing that they made a genuine mistake by leaving two torches/flashlights in the cockpit when releasing Car 4 from the garage. However, the driver realised directly after entering the track that some equipment was in the car and was able to secure both parts shortly after leaving the pit exit before returning slowly to the pits.”
While the stewards confirmed that the release of the car qualified as “unsafe,” they emphasized that Norris’s quick reaction prevented any potential danger. “This is taken into account in mitigation,” the statement continued, “and a Warning to the Competitor is issued.”
Ultimately, McLaren escapes without a sporting penalty, which is a relief for the team as they continue their campaign in the 2025 season. Lando Norris will not face any direct consequences, such as a grid position drop, and will be able to compete in Miami without further disruption.
Norris currently trails his teammate Oscar Piastri in the championship standings. His earlier incident in Saudi Arabia qualifying, where he crashed and started 10th, forced him to battle through the field to finish fourth—an impressive recovery, but a costly weekend in terms of points.
With this matter now settled, McLaren can turn its focus back to performance as they look to close the gap in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ standings heading into a crucial phase of the season.
