Lando Norris put in a stunning performance at the Chinese Grand Priz – but then made a uncharacteristic mistake.
The McLaren star won the fan-decided Driver of the Day award for his stint at the helm of car.
Norris started the day fourth and navigated his way through a series of obstacles to climb two places.
The race in Shanghai was interrupted by safety cars.
The first arrived when Sauber star Valtteri Bottas saw his engine fail.
Then, almost immediately upon restart, several cars bunched up and collided.
This caused another long period with the safety car on track but Norris held his nerve.
He might have been 13.773 seconds behind friend and rival Max Verstappen in his irrepressible Red Bull but he still managed to pip Sergio Perez to the chequered flag.
The Papaya pilot edged him by six seconds to earn 18 championship points.
But after taking the flag, Norris made a big error.
The British star brought his car into the pit lane in parc fermé instead of leaving his car in the specified spot on the gird where all those who made the podium were meant to park.
And it was noted by eagle-eyed Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, quickly informing his team of a rules infraction, especially if Norris reversed at any point in the pit lane.
“Norris was in Pit entry,” said the Spaniard.
Xavier Marcos Padros, his race engineer, replied: “Copy. He did a mistake. He should have gone to the grid.”
He was, though, able to get to his post-race interview on-time.
But despite the mistake, Norris was delighted with his weekend.
He said: “I’m surprised, I’m very happy, very happy for the team. Good pit stops, today it worked out, I don’t know how, I wasn’t really expecting it.
“I got comfortable, I managed the tyres, It’s a lot easier task than yesterday. I could just push the car and it felt great and comfortable so good day, good points and another podium, so very happy.”
He continued: “I’m surprised by many things, the lack of pace on the Ferrari, our good pace. Us comparing to the Red Bull was surprising. I wasn’t expecting today at all, I got everything to be out early and not be on the podium, its a pleasant surprise but shows the team have done a good job, we’re working hard and it’s paying off.
“I made a bet to how far behind the Ferrari we will finish today. I thought 35 seconds, I was very wrong with that but I’m happy to be wrong. It’s been good day for everyone.”
News Summary:
- Lando Norris breaks F1 protocol after brilliant second place finish in Chinese Grand Prix
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