Norris details reason behind jumped Saudi Arabian F1 start

Lando Norris has revealed the details behind his jump start at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Moments prior to the lights going out to signal the start of the race, Norris began to pull forward before braking after realising he had gone early.

He was then delayed getting off the line as he was still recovering from his mistake but avoided a penalty after being investigated by the stewards.

It was noted that “Article 48.1 a) of the Formula One Sporting Regulations states clearly that the judgment of whether or not there was a jump start is to be made in accordance with the transponder”.

In this case, Norris' transponder did not indicate that he had jumped the start despite moving forward in his grid box.

“I stopped in time,” Norris told media including RacingNews365. “I've never done this before in my life so I don't know why I've done it. It was investigated and was cleared.”

Reacting to a different light

Norris theorised he may have reacted to a different light located in his line of sight.

“Things happen so quickly, it was pure instinct, not an input,” he said. “These times, you’re just reacting to something.

“I don't know if I've seen another light, there are so many lights here.

“I don't know if I've seen something and my body just reacted to it, but you're just so pumped on adrenaline, you’re just reacting to anything.

“[Maybe] I’ve just seen something go off or another light come on or something and I've just gone on that, but I realised quick enough that I could avoid it.

“I got it stopped, there's been plenty of other examples of when people have gone and stopped and there's no penalty, so I'm happy with that.”