Lando Norris has hit out at F1’s crimson flag tyre rule after dropping out to Max Verstappen on the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, describing it as “simply luck”.
The decisive level of the race got here when George Russell and Lando Norris – who had been main – stopped for recent intermediates.
This was through the interval of heavy rain earlier than a Security Automotive was put out as a result of Williams’ Franco Colaptinto crashing.
The timing of the crimson flag labored completely for Esteban Ocon, Verstappen and Pierre Gasly, who didn’t cease.
As per F1’s guidelines, drivers are allowed a free change of tyres below crimson flag circumstances, which means the Alpines and Verstappen jumped up the order.
Chatting with F1 TV after the race, Norris wasn’t pleased with how the crimson flag performed out.
“You may change the tyres below the crimson flag,” he mentioned. “It’s what the others did. Simply unfortunate. Unlucky, typically it goes your method. Nothing we did fallacious. I don’t care what individuals say.
“Staying out wasn’t the precise factor to do. It shouldn’t have been red-flagged and there was the crash ultimately which precipitated the crimson.
“That’s life typically. You are taking a big gamble, it’s paid off for them. It’s not expertise, it’s simply luck. A bit unfortunate that’s all.”
Norris’ race fell aside after the second Security Automotive as he was overtaken by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
Norris ran vast then dropped behind McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri.
The British finally went on to complete sixth as F1 title rival Verstappen gained the race.
“I nonetheless made a few errors,” he added. “I had vehicles on my left, on my proper, I locked the rears and went off. I misplaced two positions.
“A bit of bit unlucky there. My very own fault. Not an ideal race for me. I feel it doesn’t matter what fourth was the very best anybody may do of the individuals who didn’t field and get unfortunate.
“In any other case, going to maintain our heads down.”
