McLaren's Start Trick: What Tape Reveals About Norris's Championship Nerves

A piece of tape has caused a stir in the F1 title fight! Lando Norris downplays the curious McLaren aid, but the tape reveals more about his nerves than he might like.

Indeed, a piece of tape has become the focus of discussions in Formula 1! In the title battle between McLaren and Red Bull, everything has revolved around a piece of tape since the race in Austin. The background: During the US Grand Prix, a Red Bull employee attempted to remove a piece of tape from Lando Norris's starting position, which served as a visual aid.

However, the attempt backfired: Because the Red Bull team member was still on the grid after the official clear-out time, the team incurred a hefty fine of 50,000 euros. Half of this – 25,000 euros – was suspended on probation until the end of the season.

Norris, attempting to smile away the episode when asked, said, "I didn't even use it. I normally take the line on the grid. It only helps me if I don't see the line." He added, "But it was funny to see them try to remove it."

It was not the first time Red Bull had interfered, which is why McLaren promptly used extra-strong tape. This time, it proved difficult to remove.

Verstappen dryly commented on the farce: "That's what the yellow lines are for, right?"

The question remains why Norris, apparently the only driver in the field, needs visual 'training wheels.' This is a question he probably finds anything but amusing.

In the US Grand Prix race itself, Norris finished second behind Verstappen. The championship standings remain tight: Oscar Piastri leads with 346 points, ahead of Norris (332) and Verstappen (306). On Sunday (9:00 PM CET, Sky), the title trio will hunt for points again in Mexico – this time probably without tape drama.

Of course, one can view the whole thing with a wink, but it should actually be rather embarrassing for Lando Norris that he needs this tape at all. The reason is less curious than revealing: At the season opener in Bahrain, the Brit simply positioned himself incorrectly on the grid.

Since then, McLaren has been placing a visual aid on the asphalt for Norris to prevent him from misaligning again. For a driver fighting for the championship, this is at least unusual – and it looks a bit like a top student suddenly needing cheat sheets in a math exam.

No drama, but in the merciless title fight with Verstappen and Piastri, every detail is also a statement. And the tape at Norris's starting box says: Even a championship contender sometimes needs remedial lessons.