F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Norris’ shock Q1 exit caused by confusion over yellow flag

Lando Norris’ prospects for Sunday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix took a heavy hit in Saturday’s qualifying session after confusion over a yellow flag led to the McLaren driver’s dramatic Q1 elimination.

Norris was in the process of comfortably making his way into Q2 when he slowed on his final flyer due to a yellow flag in Baku’s last sector triggered by Esteban Ocon’s slow moving Alpine.

But by the time Norris reached Turn 16, the yellow flags had been cleared, replaced by a white flag signaling a slow-moving car on track.

Unfortunately, the damage was done for the McLaren charger who felt compelled to lift only for the issue to be resolved just as he arrived at the corner.

The end result is a P17 spot on Sunday’s grid that leaves Norris with a monumental task to score a solid haul of points to help him reduce his 62-point deficit to Max Verstappen in the Drivers’ standings.

Upon his return to the pitlane, McLaren race engineer Will Joseph apologized over the radio for the confusion, but it wasn’t clear whether Norris needed to back off when he did, making the situation all the more frustrating.

"The car was good, everyone just did their second laps and I didn't so it was just unlucky,” commented Norris.

“We weren't really on the back foot. When you have a two-kilometre straight and you have to lift at the beginning, of course, there was nothing I could do.

"It is what it is but there is a long race ahead, we have got some good tyres in the bank, so yeah, try and be hopeful and see what we can do tomorrow.

"I haven't been thinking about [the race], to be honest, that is what tonight is for but I am still hopeful we can get a good result.

"The car is quick, I think the lap I was on I could have easily gone second, a bit frustrating but nothing I can do."

Norris suggested that only an optimal strategy would help him improve his chances of racing up the order in Sunday’s race.

"I think everything is going to have to be done with strategy, because you can't overtake," he added.

"There's plenty of cars at the back which just take all the wing off and hope for the best, and that makes it impossible for a lot of cars to overtake them.

"The car is quick, we can hope that that can come into our hands and at some point I can get clean air, but on a street circuit, everything gets backed up so much, you just get forced into a position and you can't do a lot at times.

"We'll hope for the best, but I don't expect anything that's real, unless strategy comes into play."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Aston Martin says performance shortfall led to Fallows exit

Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has shed some light on why the team’s former…

5 hours ago

FIA clamps down on plank loophole after Red Bull complaint

The FIA has issued a pivotal Technical Directive to F1 teams ahead of this weekend’s…

7 hours ago

F1 drivers blindsided by race director Wittich’s sudden exit

The abrupt removal last week of FIA race director Niels Wittich with just three races…

8 hours ago

McLaren relaxes ‘papaya rules’: Norris and Piastri free to race

Oscar Piastri has confirmed that McLaren’s team orders—dubbed the "Papaya Rules"—have been largely relaxed, giving…

9 hours ago

Cheers to the forever young pure racer Jacques Laffite

The forever young Jacques Laffite turns 81 today, but the years haven't aged this pure…

11 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Wednesday's build-up in pictures

The neon lights of Las Vegas are set to illuminate the Formula 1 world once…

11 hours ago