Breaking: Lando Norris penalised after major Bahrain GP’s er…read more
Lando Norris Penalised for Grid Box Error at Bahrain Grand Prix
McLaren’s Lando Norris was hit with a five-second time penalty during the Bahrain Grand Prix after committing a false start by positioning his car incorrectly on the grid. The incident occurred right at the beginning of the race, as Norris, who started from sixth on the grid, made an impressive launch and rapidly climbed up the order. However, race stewards quickly noticed that the British driver had lined up outside the boundaries of his designated grid box before the lights went out.
Although his start was seemingly perfect and gained him several positions, it was deemed illegal due to his incorrect placement. As Norris stormed from sixth to third on the opening lap, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen—who was in pole position—alerted his team over the radio, claiming that Norris appeared to be out of position at the start. This prompted a swift investigation by the FIA race stewards.
Shortly afterward, it was confirmed that Norris had indeed started ahead of his marked grid slot. According to the regulations, all drivers must ensure that their cars are entirely within the boundaries of their allocated grid box at the start of the race. Failing to do so is considered a breach of the sporting code and typically results in a time penalty.
As a consequence, Norris was handed a five-second penalty, which he served during his first scheduled pit stop. Despite the setback, the McLaren driver remained competitive and continued to fight near the front of the pack. At the time of serving the penalty, Norris was still holding on to a podium position, sitting third in the race.
Meanwhile, Norris’ teammate, Oscar Piastri, enjoyed a strong performance at the Bahrain International Circuit. The young Australian driver had moved into the race lead after 10 laps, ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell. McLaren’s early pace suggested that the team had brought a solid package to the season opener, giving both drivers the opportunity to contend at the sharp end of the grid.
The incident was particularly disappointing for Norris, who had high hopes going into the race after a strong qualifying session. It also served as a reminder of how crucial precision is at the start of a Formula 1 race, where even a small miscalculation can lead to costly penalties.
Though he remained in third after serving his penalty, Norris’ chances of fighting for the win or a higher podium spot were slightly diminished due to the time lost. Nonetheless, his ability to recover and maintain a strong position highlighted both his driving skill and the competitive pace of the McLaren car.
As the race unfolded, fans and analysts alike kept a close eye on McLaren’s strategy and performance, with particular attention on whether Piastri could convert his lead into a maiden Grand Prix victory and how far Norris could climb back in the order following his penalty.
