Norris says Red Bull fine for Austin grid tape incident was 'funny'

Red Bull attempted to remove some tape next to Norris' grid box last time out at the United States Grand Prix and were fined 50,000 euros, half of which is suspended, because a team member returned to the grid too late.

Norris told the media ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix that the tape wasn't a necessity and Red Bull didn't succeed in removing it.

He said: "Good job by them. They can. [remove the tape] But it didn't matter, I didn't use the tape, so it was extra amusing because I didn't need it, we just put it there in case.

Norris sits second in the world championship standings as the McLaren driver chases his first F1 title.

He is now just 14 points behind the championship leader and teammate Oscar Piastri with five rounds to go.

The gap closed last time out as Norris eventually got past Ferrari's Charles Leclerc as Piastri slumped to a lacklustre fifth place.

Max Verstappen is also a factor in the title battle as he won the United States Grand Prix and is now 40 points off the pace.

Heading into the Mexico City Grand Prix, McLaren will be hoping to get back on form at a track Verstappen has won at a record five times.

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