Ex-F1 driver slams McLaren over Norris decision: "It made absolutely no sense"
Jolyon Palmer has questioned McLaren’s decision to pit Lando Norris after the Virtual Safety Car ended at the Madrid Grand Prix, arguing the team failed to react to the race unfolding in front of them. Norris had built a six-second advantage over Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli before the VSC was deployed, leaving McLaren particularly exposed when the field’s pace was reduced.
Former Formula One driver Jolyon Palmer has criticized McLaren's decision to pit Lando Norris after the Virtual Safety Car (VSC) expired during the Madrid Grand Prix. Palmer argued that McLaren's strategy failed to adapt to the evolving race conditions. Norris had built a six-second lead over Mercedes' Kimi Antolin before the VSC was activated, leaving McLaren at a disadvantage when the pace slowed.
The reigning world champion had missed an opportunity to pit before the VSC, while his team could make their stop when the pace was reduced. Palmer found it perplexing why McLaren opted to give Norris a full 25-second stop upon the resumption of green flag racing, as it appeared to be a calculated move rather than a reactive one.
He questioned the team's decision, suggesting that it disregarded critical aspects of the race. Norris has also suggested changes to the VSC rules, proposing that the system should be modified to prevent it from significantly influencing race outcomes.
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