FIA breaks down why Lando Norris was not penalized for ‘jump start’ at Saudi Arabian GP

Lando Norris had a pretty torrid outing during the 2024 Saudi Arabian GP.

FIA breaks down why Lando Norris was not penalized for ‘jump start’ at Saudi Arabian GP

Lando Norris (Via: Imago)

Lando Norris, the McLaren F1 driver, did not have the best outings during yesterday’s 50-lap Saudi Arabian GP. He ended his exploits in an average eighth place and was also under scrutiny for a jump start at the event.

As the lights were about to go out, Lando Norris was seen moving slightly in his grid box before stopping his MCL38 ahead of lights out. George Russell reported the incident on his team radio but despite this, no action was taken against it.

YouTube video

While a lot has been said about it, the FIA has revealed as to why the young Brit was not penalized for his antics. The FIA via their statement revealed, as reported by Autosport:

FS Video
The stewards reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video and determined that the video appeared to show that car 4 moved before the start signal was given. However, the FIA-approved and supplied transponder fitted on the car did not indicate a jump start.

The in-detail statement further added,

 Article 48.1 a) of the Formula One Sporting Regulations states clearly that the judgment of whether or not there was a jump start is to be made in accordance with the transponder, which did not show a jump start. In the circumstances, we took no further action.

The statements have made it quite clear that because the transponder on the car did not show a jump start, no action was taken on it. Norris believes that he did not gain any advantage from the jump start anyway.

Lando Norris proved second best to Oscar Piastri in Jeddah

While Lando Norris did not receive any penalties for a jump start at the Saudi event, overall, he had a tough day at the office. Especially considering, his teammate, Oscar Piastri, managed to end his exploits in a brilliant fourth position.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri (via IMAGO).

The young Australian was on it from the get-go and was able to produce some beautiful moves during the 50-lap Grand Prix. Whereas, Norris on the other hand, struggled in his MCL38 and was not able to make much of an impression.

The Saudi Arabian GP has become a thing of the past and now, the focus will shift toward Melbourne. After a disappointing outing in Jeddah, Lando Norris will hope for a much better outing at the 2024 Australian Grand Prix.

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