Lando Norris has strongly criticised Formula 1's virtual safety car (VSC) rules as "unfair" after an ill-timed VSC during the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix cost him victory at the Madring circuit. The McLaren driver had already passed the pit entry when the VSC was deployed for Lance Stroll's stricken Aston Martin, allowing rivals like Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen to pit and lose significantly less time.
"I was just unlucky, I was the only one on the whole grid who doesn't get a pitstop," Norris told Sky Sports F1 after the race. "So I lose 20 seconds on the whole grid, this is out of my control, it's out of their control. It's a rule that shouldn't define a race."
Norris emphasised that a race should be won by the driver who delivers the best performance, not by luck. He pointed out that he had secured pole position and led the race, only to lose the win due to factors beyond his control. "I don't think many people have lost a race win over it. So it's frustrating – I don't feel like it's the way you should lose," he added.
The British driver revealed that the issue has been discussed in drivers' briefings. He suggested that the VSC should be delayed by at least one lap before being activated, ensuring fairness for all competitors. "We spoke about it in the past in drivers' briefings, saying they should leave it out at least for a lap, so it's equal for everyone," he explained. Another option he floated was closing the pit entry during VSC, except for emergencies like punctures.
Despite his frustration, Norris acknowledged that changing the rules is not straightforward. "This is not something I can just ask for. I think it's something as a group of drivers, I think we would all want. But there's a lot more to it, depending on if it's raining and there's a VSC and you're on slicks, does it mean you can box or not? So it's a complicated subject," he said.
This incident adds to the ongoing debate over VSC regulations in Formula 1. While some drivers have benefited from similar situations in the past, Norris's loss in Madrid feels particularly harsh given his dominant performance. "There's literally nothing I could do as a driver today to do a better job. Pole, led the race. And to lose it for nothing in my control is... I don't think how a race should be won," he concluded.
With this result, Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli capitalised to secure strong finishes, while Norris was left with a result that did not reflect his true pace. The championship standings have tightened, and this incident could prove pivotal in the 2026 title fight.
Baca Juga
Lando Norris mengkritik aturan VSC yang dinilai tidak adil setelah kehilangan kemenangan di Grand Prix Spanyol 2026. Simak analisis dan dampaknya.
Pembalap F1 mengkritik sirkuit Madrid setelah GP Spanyol yang minim overtaking. Kimi Antonelli menang, tapi balapan dianggap membosankan.
Max Verstappen ngamuk dipaksa Red Bull mengalah di GP Spanyol 2026, tapi bangkit finis P2 dan raih Driver of the Day. Simak drama radio dan analisisnya.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!