Lando Norris has labeled Formula One’s rule about allowing drivers to change tires during red flag stops as “the worst rule ever invented by someone.”
The Saudi Arabia Grand Prix has had two stops due to crashes. The first was controversial at the time, as Max Verstappen was absent during the Safety Car time while the Mercedes drivers pitted from first and second.
When the race was red flagged a few laps later Verstappen was entitled to a free piston stop – meaning he effectively overtook the Mercedes drivers and inherited the lead without stopping. at racing speed.
Although less noticeable at the time, Norris fell even short of the McLaren drivers, having pitted from sixth place under Safety Cars but slipped to 14th as others took advantage of the success. Free change.
“It’s possibly the worst rule ever invented by someone who can change a tire under a red flag,” Norris said after the race.
There was also a similar situation at the Italian Grand Prix last year, which helped Pierre Gasly get a shock victory.
“We said that last year. I didn’t take anything from Pierre but with last year’s Monza race, it was like Pierre got a free tire change.
“I don’t know, I feel it’s unworthy in a way. It’s purely luck and luck doesn’t need to be bestowed on someone and that’s pretty much the thing – lucky for someone.
“It just ruined our race. It feels like you do too much just to take it all. Too bad the team did a great job. I think the car is pretty good. But it’s just crap, rules ruin everything.”
When asked if other drivers share his concerns, Norris said: “I hope so too. If Max wins because he just got a free pit stop, then I feel like Mercedes will complain.
“I don’t know if they’re still around now because of him [Hamilton] win. So it was just a great day for them. But I just feel it’s not fair. They still have to stop, they should get lucky rather than lucky. So bad. “
