McLaren 'Laughing' After Red Bull's Failed Tape Removal at US GP

Lando Norris revealed McLaren found it "amusing" after Red Bull received a €50,000 fine for attempting to remove reference tape from Norris' grid box at the US Grand Prix. The Red Bull employee's ill-fated effort occurred after the formation lap began, sparking laughter within the McLaren garage.

Why it matters:

• This incident highlights the intense, sometimes petty, psychological warfare teams engage in, even off the track, to gain any perceived advantage.
• It underscores the strict regulations around track access during a live session, even for seemingly minor infractions.
• For McLaren, it's a moment of levity and a minor victory against a dominant rival, adding a touch of humor to the fierce competition.

The Details:

• The Incident: A Red Bull team member re-entered the track after the formation lap had commenced at the US Grand Prix to remove a piece of tape that McLaren had placed on the wall, aligned with Norris' grid box.
• Purpose of the Tape: McLaren used the tape as an additional visual aid for Norris to position his car precisely on the grid before the start of the race.
• The Penalty: Red Bull was fined €50,000, with €25,000 of it suspended, for the team member's unauthorized track entry.
• Norris' Reaction: Norris, who finished second in the race, found the entire situation "extra amusing" because he "didn't even need" the tape for that particular start, using it "just in case."
• Failed Removal: Norris also noted that Red Bull "tried to remove it, and failed, because we made it special so they couldn't take it off."

Between the Lines:

• Norris revealed this wasn't an isolated incident, stating Red Bull had attempted to remove similar reference tape at other races, including Monza.
• The McLaren driver indicated he would continue using the reference technique in upcoming races, irrespective of Red Bull's attempts to interfere.
• This subtle tactic of placing reference markers is common practice, and Red Bull's aggressive attempt to remove it signifies how meticulously teams scrutinize every detail for even a fractional advantage.

What's next:

• Expect teams to continue these minor 'mind games' and to be even more creative with their reference markers, while rivals will likely be on higher alert to identify and potentially challenge them.
• The incident serves as a reminder for all teams to be vigilant about track access protocols, especially during critical moments like the formation lap.
• Norris' comments suggest McLaren is enjoying the competitive banter, and their strong performance on track adds weight to their off-track amusement.