Norris wants more drivers at stewards: 'They need to step into my shoes'

Lando Norris has been critical of race control at the Brazilian Grand Prix. The McLaren driver was blamed for a collision with Charles Leclerc' s Ferrari and received a five-second time penalty and two penalty points on his licence. Speaking to The Race Norris said the stewards needed to empathise better with the drivers.

Brazil was not a good race for McLaren. Daniel Ricciardo dropped out on the first lap after colliding with Kevin Magnussen - for which he receives a three-place grid penalty at the final race of the season - and Norris was also unable to finish the race due to engine problems. However, Norris earlier received a penalty for a collision with Leclerc, which forced the Ferrari driver to make an early pit stop. Norris went over the kerbstones at turn six, hitting the rear of the Ferrari. According to race officials, Norris was entirely at fault for the incident.

'We need more drivers at race control'

Norris certainly does not agree with the stewards' verdict. "I think it's very difficult for them to put themselves in my shoes," Norris said after the race. "We were in one of the quickest parts of the track and Charles had put himself in a risky position. I did everything I could to avoid a collision. It's not like I tried to run him off on purpose or do anything stupid, I don't want to ruin my own race."

Norris thinks any driver in his case would have done the same in the race to gain a place. He therefore questions the stewards' reasoning. "“Do they just look at the incident from an outboard camera and say, ‘He’s caused the crash’ or do they actually understand, ‘Have they done everything to avoid a crash?’ and so on. There needs to be more drivers that can understand what it’s like to be in my position or Charles position or something."