Formula One introduced a new rule for the third practice session in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. After Max Verstappen was noted for multiple incidents of overtaking several cars in the winding pitlane exit, F1 imposed a rule that banned drivers from overtaking in the pitlane altogether.

This ban led to multiple occasions of crowded queues during the Qualifying session, affecting the strategies of some drivers. Lando Norris was critical of the regulation, saying it was a “terrible rule”, but a necessary evil due to previous, inefficiently imposed rules. The Briton said red flags could result in only a handful of cars being allowed through to finish their laps, which would be unfair to the other cars in the pitlane.

I think it’s a terrible rule. The thing is, they have to have the rule because of the other silly rule that they made us do. If it’s a red flag and there’s three minutes left, there’s going to be like three cars that get to do a lap.

Lando Norris said, as reported by racefans.net

A major factor in the arrival of the restriction is the maximum lap time rule, introduced some months ago. The maximum delta regulation was brought to reduce incidents of dangerous impeding of other drivers, so as to keep a sufficient gap in between.

Andrea Stella said Lando Norris’s self-criticism ‘deserves attention’

Lando Norris was one of the favorites to stop Max Verstappen from taking his 32nd pole in F1 at the Yas Marina circuit. After strong performances all weekend, the McLaren driver had good runs in the qualifying session. In the Briton’s final run, he was faster than Max Verstappen in the first two sectors but made a mistake in the last sector.

Norris lost over half a second from the mistake, and his time put him only fifth on the grid for the final Grand Prix of the 2023 season. The 24-year-old was harsh on himself post the session, saying he did a “sh*t job” throughout. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella was concerned by the self-criticism by Lando Norris, saying the behavior certainly called for attention.

It’s about how you judge situations, it’s about how you talk about situations, about how you interpret yourself. This one certainly deserves some attention.

Andrea Stella said, as reported by pitdebrief.com

Norris lost out from a similar mistake in Qatar, and his errors have cost him chances to take his first F1 victory. Finishing in second place six times in the 2023 season alone, the Briton is yet to take a single winner’s trophy, even while his teammate Oscar Piastri managed the feat in the Qatar Sprint race.

In case you missed it:

• Max Verstappen breaks silence on Christian Horner-Lewis Hamilton Red Bull seat soap opera
• Lewis Hamilton asserts Mercedes W14 is ‘more inconsistent than ever’ at the Abu Dhabi GP

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