Lando Norris Receives Fine Following Post-Race Interview in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS, NV – Lando Norris has been fined by Formula One Management (FOM) following a post-race interview after the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the governing body confirmed. The penalty stems from a comment Norris made where he jokingly suggested he intentionally yielded to race winner Max Verstappen.
The incident occurred during a lighthearted exchange with Verstappen immediately after the race. Norris stated, “I let Max win. I let him go, let him have a nice race! No, I just braked too late; it was my f-ing mistake.” While Norris and Verstappen laughed off the remark, FOM deemed the language and implication unacceptable, resulting in a financial penalty.
The fine adds pressure to both Norris and his McLaren team after a disappointing weekend where neither Norris nor teammate Oscar Piastri secured points. The lack of points is particularly damaging at a critical juncture in the championship standings. McLaren team principal andrea Stella issued a public apology, stating, “We apologize to Lando and Oscar for losing points today, at a crucial moment in their championship after two strong performances all weekend.As a team, we also apologize to our partners and fans, whose support means so much.”
Despite the penalty and scoreless race, Norris currently maintains the championship lead with a 24-point advantage over both Piastri and Verstappen. Verstappen, however, is on a notable streak, having achieved eight consecutive podium finishes. The championship outcome could be resolute at the upcoming race in Qatar next Sunday, contingent on Norris securing a victory.
