Norris demands fix for 'pretty stupid' rule after Verstappen clash

Lando Norris has called on F1 to introduce a fix to a “pretty stupid” rule following his five-second time penalty in Austria last weekend.

Track limits were strictly enforced at the Austrian Grand Prix, with Norris picked up for running off the track after locking up while battling Max Verstappen for the race lead.

As it was his fourth offence, he was issued a five-second time penalty - however, the decision to penalise Norris was criticised due to his off-track moment being in the heat of battle.

After moving ahead of Verstappen illegally, Norris immediately gave the position back to the Red Bull driver, leading him to question the need for a further infringement.

“I got the five-second for trying to overtake and it not going correctly,” Norris told media including RacingNews365. “I didn't even know I had the five-second penalty. 

“I didn't even know why we served the five-second penalty before we retired the car. I didn't even know that's what we did until after the race. That's pretty silly, to be honest. 

“I've tried to do an overtake, I've locked up, I've gone off the track - just - I’ve had to then avoid the sausage kerb. But immediately I gave the position back to Max, so I've probably lost a second and a half in doing that.

“That’s a clear enough penalty. I've lost out in doing such a thing.” 

Norris highlights key 'difference'

Norris would eventually retire from the race after his battle with Verstappen ended with contact at Turn 3.

However, the Briton hit out at his punishment and warned it will deter drivers from overtaking going forward.

“If you don't want us to race and don't want me to try ever overtake and you want a boring race, then you can have these rules,” he said. 

“There's a difference between going off track and racing and gaining an advantage.

“It's the gaining advantage bit which is the most important. And then there's the going off because you've made a silly mistake. 

“You've not judged something perfectly, but the fact I get punished for that, especially in a racing situation, especially when I've given up even more time, it just doesn't make sense. 

“So something I hope they fix quickly, because I think it's pretty stupid.”