Breaking:FIA confirmed lando Norris penalty after…. read more 

FIA confirmed lando Norris penalty after…. read more 

The FIA has officially concluded its inquiry into Lando Norris following a curious incident during the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, ultimately deciding against issuing any penalties to the McLaren driver.

The situation unfolded on lap 41 of the race held at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, where Norris came under scrutiny for a potential breach of the pit exit protocol. Specifically, stewards began an investigation to determine whether the British driver had crossed the white line at the pit exit, an action that could constitute a violation of the race director’s instructions.

The rules regarding pit lane exits are clear: drivers must not fully cross the designated white line with any part of their car, as it ensures safety and fair re-entry into the race. However, uncertainty surrounded the incident, as it was initially unclear whether Norris had indeed allowed one or more of his tyres to move completely past the white line, which would make it a punishable offence. The incident sparked immediate debate among broadcasters and fans alike.

Despite the unclear footage, the FIA stewards conducted a prompt review and concluded that Norris had not committed a significant breach, and therefore, no disciplinary action was warranted. This allowed Norris to remain in the thick of the action, pursuing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in hopes of securing a podium finish.

Ultimately, Norris fell just short of overtaking the Monegasque driver, finishing fourth in what was still a strong showing for the 24-year-old. Meanwhile, his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri stole the headlines by clinching victory in Jeddah, a performance that also saw the Australian leapfrog Norris in the driver standings.

The incident quickly became a point of discussion among F1 pundits, including Sky Sports’ Martin Brundle and former Aston Martin strategist Bernie Collins. Brundle, a seasoned former F1 driver and respected broadcaster, weighed in on the technicality of the white line rule. “I thought as long as you have a tyre still on the line, you’re within the legal bounds,” Brundle remarked. “It’s not necessarily about crossing it entirely; if there’s some tyre contact with the line, it should be acceptable. But this one is going to need a very close inspection.”

Collins, referencing the official event notes from the race director, pointed out that the guidelines mandate drivers to adhere strictly to pit entry and exit protocols. She acknowledged the complexity of the situation due to the limited clarity of the onboard camera footage. “From the angle we’ve seen, it’s extremely difficult to say definitively,” she commented. “But to me, it does appear that the front right tyre of Norris’s car might be too far away from touching that white line.”

As Collins elaborated on her viewpoint, news broke that the stewards had already made their decision—no further action would be taken. The FIA’s swift conclusion put to rest any questions of potential grid penalties or time sanctions that could have affected the final race standings.

While the verdict was welcomed by McLaren and Norris fans, it reignited the ongoing debate about consistency in FIA rulings and the transparency of in-race investigations. Instances like this highlight the razor-thin margins in Formula 1 and how interpretations of rules can vary based on footage and perspective.

Norris’s fourth-place finish keeps him well in the mix as the season progresses, but the drama surrounding the pit exit only added another layer to an already thrilling Grand Prix. McLaren’s strong overall showing, with Piastri on the top step of the podium and Norris just behind the leaders, serves as a testament to the team’s resurgence and competitiveness in 2025.

Though he missed out on the podium, Norris will take confidence from his performance and the FIA’s decision, knowing he raced hard and clean. For now, the controversy is behind him—but in Formula 1, scrutiny is never far away.