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Norris calls for “rethink” of F1 red flag calls

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The race in Melbourne was mired in controversy as a total of four red flags and three starts disrupted the process in a parade behind the safety car.

Many believed the decision to restart the race on lap 56 was in preparation for a two-lap shootout that resulted in a series of crashes as drivers felt the risk of overtaking late was greater.

The delayed end of the race also sparked consternation as FIA officials attempted to work out a satisfactory start sequence for the safety car train.

When the 2022 Italian Grand Prix ended with spectators booing after the safety car, the apparent desire to wave the red flag to ensure the race continued came under fire from Norris.

“It’s hard, I think that’s how unlucky you are. I kind of hate it,” Norris said.

“I think rolling starts are better in these situations because you feel like you can try hard … feel like you can do such a good race and because someone is a little bit silly and locks up in Turn 1, you finish your Contest.

“I don’t like restarting … I feel like it’s unfair to a lot of guys who did a good job but get knocked out and the game is over. I doubt they’ll change anything.”

Lando Norris, McLaren MCL60

Lando Norris, McLaren MCL60

Photography: Glenn Dunbar/ motorsport pictures

Norris finished sixth in Australia, earning McLaren its first points of the season as a result of the running order after the safety car, which effectively determined the final standings.

This was taken using the previous lap 56 restart minus the grid position of the car eliminated in the collision.

He thinks race control might be more inclined to opt for red flags and starts to elevate the scene.

Norris continued: “I think it would be more straightforward if we just finished the race after the safety car.

“Someone does something stupid in Turn 1, locks up and your race is over because they just want to make the show better.

“In the end, I know it’s a show, but we’re not here to put on a show. We want to play each other and play fairly, and I don’t think it’s fair for everyone.”

He added: “The whole point was red flagged and it felt like it was just a show.

“I just think that side of it needs to be rethought. I don’t think it needs to change; it just needs to be rethought.”

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Verstappen survives treacherous conditions to win the Monaco Grand Prix

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Max Verstappen won the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix and now has more Grand Prix victories for Red Bull than Sebastian Vettel. The Dutchman’s brilliant final stage in qualifying saw him take pole position, but his superlong performance on the medium tyres, which was almost as impressive, gave him an easy win.

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Rain during Monaco GP: plenty of chaos and incidents

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It didn’t seem to come, but after 50 of the 78 laps of the Monaco Grand Prix, it did: it started to rain. After a few laps, the rain started to fall heavily, and the slick tires could no longer continue driving. Drivers were skidding around corners everywhere, but miraculously, most managed to keep their cars clear of the crash barrier or keep going.

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Newgarden beats Ericsson to Indy 500 win after restart with one lap to go

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Josef Newgarden wins the Indy 500 in an intense final stage. There was a red flag, but the race restarted with one lap to go. Newgarden jumped at the chance and outmaneuvered Marcus Ericsson for the win, while Rinus Veekay crossed the finish line in tenth.

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