McLaren star Lando Norris has expressed that he wants Formula 1 to start penalizing drivers more heavily. Norris has found fault with certain penalties given out in recent races that drivers seemingly “don’t care” about. Currently, the penalty for an offense in qualifying is a three-place grid drop for the Grand Prix.

The penalty for an offense in the Grand Prix can vary from a 5-second penalty to a drive-through penalty, but in most cases, a 5-second penalty is handed out.  However, in the past few races, drivers stricken with time penalties have simply nulled its effects by keeping ahead by five or more seconds, thus keeping their position. For quicker cars like the Red Bull, it is easier to eke out a gap, giving them a free pass to commit offenses.

Penalties just need to be more harsh in general…People are getting away with too many things.

Lando Norris said, as reported by racingnews365.com

Norris called out drivers for not caring about impeding someone in qualifying or similar offenses, saying the penalties given to these drivers don’t stop them. He said that with a quick enough car, a three-place grid drop doesn’t matter, as they can easily regain them.

Max Verstappen, for example, qualified sixth for the US GP after a deleted qualifying lap time and still won the race.  Norris suggested that instead of awarding the same penalties every time, F1 should set a precedent of changing the penalties constantly and not following the same punishments every time.

Andrea Stella says Lando Norris can compete with F1 legends

Lando Norris has had a promising year since McLaren brought upgrades in the Austrian Grand Prix, scoring six podiums in nine races. Mclaren Team Principal Andrea Stella was quick to compliment him for his natural talent and speed. Stella pointed out Norris’ ability and awareness of every detail around him while he was in the car. Stella compared his talent with historic F1 figures like Michael Schumacher and the still-active Fernando Alonso. 

When it is about natural speed, I think Lando can compete with some of these big names like Schumacher or Fernando Alonso.

Andrea Stella said, as per crash.net

Stella said that the team is doing everything they can to give Lando Norris a vehicle to tap into his potential. A race win still eludes Lando Norris, and he currently holds the record for 2nd most career podiums without a Grand Prix win. Norris has increased motivation to achieve that win after his teammate Oscar Piastri proved the car was capable by winning the F1 Sprint in Qatar.

In case you missed it:

• Max Verstappen firmly insists that his rivalry with Sergio Perez is “made up”
• Lewis Hamilton lashes out at Sergio Perez’s critics for imposing ‘mental and psychological pressure’ on him

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