FIA investigates bizarre Lando Norris incident

A bizarre incident unfolded during FP1 at the Miami Grand Prix when Lando Norris discovered tools and a flashlight left inside his cockpit as he began his session. The situation quickly escalated into an official investigation by the FIA.



Norris Reports Strange Issue from the Car



During his installation lap, Norris reported the unusual problem over team radio, alerting the McLaren pit wall that equipment had been left in the cockpit. He returned to the pits immediately to have the items removed.



The FIA subsequently launched an investigation under Article 34.14 c) of the sporting regulations, which governs the release of cars in a safe condition. The breach could have resulted in a grid penalty.



Stewards Consider Safety but Accept Team’s Explanation



The FIA concluded that McLaren had indeed released the car in an unsafe condition. However, during the hearing, the team admitted it had made an honest mistake, forgetting to remove two torches from the cockpit before sending Norris out.



The stewards explained in their ruling:




“The team admitted in the hearing that they made a genuine mistake by leaving two torches/flashlights in the cockpit when releasing Car 4 from the garage.”




They acknowledged Norris’s quick thinking and reaction as a mitigating factor:




“The driver realised directly after entering the track that some equipment was in the car and was able to secure both parts shortly after leaving the pit exit before returning slowly to the pits.”




As a result, McLaren avoided a penalty and were instead issued a formal warning.



McLaren Escapes Further Sanctions



The verdict emphasized that while the incident could have been more serious, Norris’s response prevented any danger on track. The stewards made it clear that a harsher penalty could be applied in the future if similar situations arise.



Norris Still Playing Catch-Up in 2025 Season



Heading into the Miami Grand Prix weekend, Norris trails his teammate Oscar Piastri in the championship standings. A crash in Saudi Arabia qualifying set him back, though he recovered to finish fourth from tenth on the grid. With a clean slate in Miami, he’ll be hoping to avoid any more unusual setbacks as he chases stronger results.
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