How virtual safety car cost Norris win - and should F1 change rules?
Lando Norris says he was "insanely unlucky" to lose what seemed like a certain win in the Spanish Grand Prix because of the timing of a virtual safety car.
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli secured his eighth win in 14 races this season, winning the Spanish Grand Prix at the newly constructed Madring track in Madrid. However, McLaren's Lando Norris failed to capitalize on an early lead, finishing fifth after the virtual safety car (VSC) intervened on lap 15. The timing of the VSC was unfavorable for Norris, who was leading comfortably from pole position at that moment.
He had already passed the pit exit when the VSC was called, allowing his McLaren team-mate Max Verstappen and Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen to pit under the safety measures, saving critical time. Norris' slow pit stop got him to fifth place, unable to recover his position. The issue of overtaking proved to be difficult, as the new track design lacked obvious passing places.
Despite Ferrari's Charles Leclerc staying out despite starting on hard tyres, he eventually retired with brake failure. Norris expressed disappointment, stating that he deserved a win, while Antonelli now holds an even tighter championship lead.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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