Race control took a closer look at an incident involving Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc in the Austin Sprint race which very nearly ended with them colliding on track
McLaren’s Lando Norris has been let off the hook after he was under probe following the Sprint race held in the United States Grand Prix.
Stewards investigated the Brit after a post-late lap contact with Charles Leclerc. He had been caught by Carlos Sainz when he was later forced to duel with another Ferrari that was out to overtake him in the final lap of the short-form race.
Sainz got past but Leclerc had to back out of his attempt at a late pass as they nearly touched when he tried at turn 15. The Monegasque complained that Norris was “in territory limit” and the stewards took a look at it.
But it was soon decided that no further investigation into the incident was necessary. Explaining that decision, the official document decided that Norris’ defence did not amount to anything too erratic as far as they were concerned.
The stewards wrote: “There did not appear to be any significant changes of direction under braking, and the move at turn 15 was a legitimate defending move by the driver of Car 4 [Norris].
“In turn one, Car 4 locked up under braking and went wide, losing a position. Accordingly, the stewards determine that there is no erratic driving and hence take no further action.”
There were six from Norris but title rival Max Verstappen bagged two extra points. The Dutchman started on pole and led for the whole Sprint, giving him maximum advantage of an improved Red Bull car in which he appears to be far more comfortable.
Speaking after the race which saw him finish behind his title rival, Norris said he was happy with his performance. The McLaren racer said: That was a good race and to be quite honest I really am content with what happened at the end. It was a hard fight – I tried to stay second but Carlos did a good job and my front tyres were dead.
At the end of the session it was not much that I could do if I remained straight, or defend or not, I for sure would have lost my job to Carlos anyway. Therefore, not a bad ending but I felt right as I got the racing result and satisfactory points to be attained.