Norris faces FIA investigation after Brazilian GP aborted start

Lando Norris has found himself at the center of an FIA investigation following an alleged violation of the starting procedure at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The McLaren driver had slipped away as usual on the formation lap, but plans for the original start had to be scrapped after Lance Stroll crashed out at Turn 4.

With Stroll’s Aston Martin stranded in the gravel, the FIA ​​opted to abort the start just as the cars formed on the grid.

When the ‘aborted start’ message was displayed, Norris immediately set off again to complete an extra formation lap – which is a breach of the rules.

Article 47.1 of the F1 Sporting Regulations states that: “If the formation lap has started and the race director decides that the start must be aborted, the abort lights will be switched on, a board saying “ABORTED START” will be displayed, all cars must return to the grid and all participants will be informed of the likely delay using the official notification system.

“The starting procedure will begin again at the ten (10) minute signal. Each time this occurs, the sprint session or race will be shortened by one (1) lap.”

Norris should have kept quiet on the grid and waited for a proper restart instead of taking an extra formation lap.

A number of other drivers, including Norris’ championship rival Max Verstappen, initially remained on the grid as the rules dictate – before eventually restarting.

The FIA ​​immediately announced that Norris was being investigated for his breach.

More to follow

Pictures from the Brazilian GP Qualifying & Race