“I’m not an idiot!” Lando Norris defends himself from yellow flag penalty saga at Qatar GP

Lando Norris claims of not being aware that a yellow flag was being waved during a closing stages safety car at the Qatar GP.

“I’m not an idiot!” Lando Norris defends himself from yellow flag penalty saga at Qatar GP

Lando Norris (via IMAGO)

McLaren driver Lando Norris was penalized with a 10-second stop-go penalty during the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday. Norris was unable to slow down during a late yellow flag of the 57-lap long race at the Lusail International circuit.

Lando Norris finished P10 at the Qatar GP after racing among the top three for the majority of the race. He battled hard with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who won the race leading from start to finish. However, the 25-year-old was forced to drop down to last place because of the penalty.

YouTube video

Norris has since revealed his frustration regarding the penalty, stating that he was unaware of a yellow flag being deployed. The Brit’s mistake has cost McLaren a major chunk of points in the constructors’ championship.

FS Video

I don’t know what I’ve done wrong. I’m not an idiot. If I knew it was a yellow, I would’ve slowed down. But the rule says if you don’t slow down, it’s a penalty.

Lando Norris said after the Qatar GP

Much debate has taken rise regarding Norris’ penalty, claiming it to be harsher than it normally should have been. Heading into the final race of the season, the 25-year-old will now seek redemption.

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Lando Norris disappointed after dismal performance at Qatar GP

McLaren has been one of the fastest teams for the better part of the campaign. They currently lead the title race by 21 points to second-placed Ferrari. Lando Norris has since shared his thoughts after a dismal performance despite starting from P3.

Lando Norris (via imago)
Lando Norris (via imago)

The team gave me a great car. I’m disappointed that I didn’t give them the results they deserve. I let them down.

Lando Norris said after the Qatar GP

Norris’ weekend at Lusail started on a strong note in which he started from pole position and finished P2 in the Sprint. He had a good run in the main race qualifying as well. However, the Brit was not able to deliver worthy results due to an untimely mistake in the race.

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Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris

A proper performance by the 25-year-old could have made the job much easier for the Woking-based team heading into Abu Dhabi. They must now focus and maintain the lead on Ferrari to secure their first title since 1998.