Lando Norris has expressed his approval of the FIA's decision to address a potentially illegal device on Max Verstappen's Red Bull, which the governing body believes could be used to enhance performance in violation of regulations. The McLaren driver made these comments ahead of the US Grand Prix, where he is set to face off against Verstappen in a crucial battle for the championship over the remaining six races. Norris trails Verstappen by 52 points, with 180 points still up for grabs in the final six races.
Prior to the start of Friday's practice sessions, the FIA clarified that the device, thought to be used for adjusting the car's ride height between qualifying and races, when such adjustments are not allowed, could no longer be used. Red Bull has reached an agreement with the FIA regarding their use of the system, which is believed to alter the ride height of the 'tea tray' section at the front of the car's floor. Running at a higher height during races compared to qualifying is considered advantageous.
"It's positive that the FIA is taking such action," Norris stated. "There's a clear distinction between black and white issues like this and pushing the boundaries to innovate within the permitted areas, which is something McLaren has excelled at, but we ensure we don't overstep those boundaries."
Norris downplayed the potential impact of the device but acknowledged that in a closely contested championship, even small advantages could make a difference. "Having the device on your car is one thing; how much you use and exploit it is another, which we have no insight into," he added. "If it has been helping them and they've been using it as people suspect, then perhaps it will shift the advantage in our favor."
In the lead-up to this weekend's race, the FIA also announced that it will discontinue awarding a bonus point for the fastest lap starting next season, removing a rule that was introduced in 2019. The FIA did not provide a reason for this change, but the decision follows controversy at the last round in Singapore when Daniel Ricciardo was sent out to claim the fastest lap, denying it to Norris. Ricciardo, driving for Red Bull's sister team at the time, was not in the top ten and thus not eligible to receive the point, but he prevented Norris from scoring it. Allegations that Red Bull exerted influence over its sister team were denied by Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner.
