Lando Norris opens up on 'complicated subject' after brutal loss

Lando Norris has called for a change the "complicated subject" that is the virtual safety car regulations after a poorly timed neutralisation cost him victory at the Spanish Grand Prix.

The McLaren driver led from pole at the Madring only for a VSC, triggered when Lance Stroll stopped his Aston Martin at Turn 20 with a brake failure, to hand rivals a near-free pit stop.

Norris had already passed the pit entry when the VSC came out, forcing him to complete a full lap at delta speed while those behind ducked in for a fraction of the usual time loss. He crossed the line third, behind race winner Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen.

Asked if changes should be made to the regulations regarding VSCs, Norris explained that it had been raised repeatedly by drivers over the years.

"Yeah, I mean, it's been brought up many times over the years by different drivers," said Norris. "I think there's always probably some cons to doing it, but it's tough.

"Like I said, I've won from it in the past, I've lost from it in the past. Over the course of a season, it's hard to know if it's a good thing or a bad thing. It probably equals out over time. Of course, it just hurts more, the fact that I lose a win.

"You know, there's literally nothing I could do as a driver today to do a better job. Pole, led the race, and to lose it for nothing in my control is, I don't think, how a race should be won. But I think people, I hope people agree, I think people would agree.

"But it is racing and it's happened, so I can't really complain about it. I can be upset about it, but I can't really complain about it."

Lando Norris hopeful future VSC pain can be avoided

Norris went on to outline possible solutions that have circulated in drivers' briefings, including a minimum one-lap VSC period or closing the pit lane entirely during a neutralisation.

The McLaren driver continued: "And I think there are things, because we have spoken about it in the past several times, about how it can be at least covered for one lap or everyone has the opportunity to do the pit stops, or you just block the pit entry and no one can box apart from if you have a puncture or something, you know.

"So, I think there's a few things you could do to make it more simple and more fair for everyone, but that's a bigger discussion. You know, this is not something I can just ask for. I think it's something, as a group of drivers, I think we would all want, but there's a lot more to it.

"You know, depending on if it's raining and there's a VSC and you're on slicks, does it mean you can box or not? You know, so it's a complicated subject. But I think as a collection of drivers, if we all talk about it, I think everyone wants the same thing, and that's just fairness for everyone.

"So yeah, of course I'm complaining about it today. I could benefit from it next week, next time out, and I could win because of it. So yeah, I have to take it on the chin, but I just hope it doesn't happen to anyone again because it's just not how you should lose a race."