Lando Norris' difficult start to the Monaco Grand Prix weekend has taken another twist after the McLaren driver was summoned to the stewards following a technical issue that brought his second practice session to an early end. The British driver endured a frustrating Friday around the streets of Monte Carlo. After finishing sixth in the opening practice session, Norris was hoping to make progress during FP2, traditionally regarded as the most representative practice session of the weekend. However, those plans quickly unravelled when his McLaren suddenly lost power just 15 minutes into the session.
Norris was exiting the famous tunnel section and approaching the Nouvelle Chicane when the issue struck. The McLaren slowed dramatically before coming to a halt on track, forcing a red flag and ending the driver's participation in the remainder of the session.
Early indications suggested a power unit-related problem, although the team had yet to confirm the exact cause immediately after the session.
Lando Norris during FP2 of the Monaco Grand Prix - Photo: Race Pictures
As marshals attended to the stranded McLaren, another issue emerged that could potentially land the team in trouble with
Formula 1's governing body. According to a document released by the FIA, Norris has been summoned to the stewards for an alleged breach of Article C9.3 of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations.
The report states that when Norris stopped on track, marshals activated the Car Disable System (CDS), a safety feature designed to isolate electrical systems and ensure the vehicle can be handled safely. However, it was discovered that the CDS did not function as required under the regulations.
As a result, Norris and a McLaren representative have been called to appear before the stewards at 19:00 local time to explain the circumstances surrounding the incident. The outcome of the hearing remains uncertain, but previous cases could provide an indication of what the team might expect.
A similar breach occurred earlier this season involving
Racing Bulls driver
Liam Lawson during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend. In that instance, the New Zealander's car was also found not to comply with the relevant CDS regulations. The FIA subsequently imposed a €30,000 fine on the team, with €10,000 payable immediately and the remaining €20,000 suspended for a period of 12 months.
Whether McLaren faces a comparable penalty will depend on the findings of the stewards' investigation, but the situation adds further frustration to what was already a disappointing day for Norris.
The 2026 world champion entered the Monaco weekend hoping to challenge at the front, but Friday's running suggested McLaren may have work to do if they are to match their rivals. Interestingly, Norris had predicted before the weekend that Ferrari could emerge as the team to beat around the Principality, and the Italian squad quickly backed up that assessment.
Ferrari dominated both practice sessions on Friday, with Charles Leclerc setting the pace in FP1 ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion then returned the favour in FP2, finishing at the top of the timesheets with Leclerc close behind.
For Norris, attention will now turn to both resolving McLaren's technical concerns and awaiting the stewards' verdict as the Monaco Grand Prix weekend continues.