Max Verstappen and Lando Norris didn’t have much to say about the pit stop incident after the Grand Prix of Japan. In retrospect, they seem to realize it was a tempest in a teapot and can even laugh about it. “Lando noticed that the grass on the right side wasn’t really well mowed and made sure it was nicely trimmed.”
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, as the first and second in the race respectively, entered the pit lane for their first pit stop after 21 laps. Red Bull’s pit crew was slightly slower than McLaren’s, which allowed Norris to pull alongside and attempt an overtaking maneuver by driving over the grass as he exited the pit lane.”The Briton believed that his title rival forced him into this action, while Norris could potentially face a penalty for an unsafe release. Verstappen responded calmly over the radio, indicating that Norris chose to drive over the grass instead of following him. At the post-race press conference in Suzuka, Verstappen was asked about the incident, which the race direction left unpunished. “I think the grass wasn’t really well mowed on the right side. Lando saw that too, and he made sure it was nicely mowed,” joked the world champion. “What should I say,” he asked somewhat irritated.
‘Max’s Right to Do That’
Norris also didn’t want to say too much about the incident. “The guys just did a really good pit stop. Under pressure, our only chance was to get a bit closer. I wasn’t even trying to race Max. I was just trying to mow the grass, as he said. I didn’t even know he was there, actually,” he said, laughing heartily. With a somewhat more serious tone, he ended his answer, seeming to take responsibility. “He had the position and the right to do what he did. So, fair play.”
Expensive Lawnmower
In the cooldown room after the race, the two could laugh about it. “That was an expensive lawnmower,” Verstappen said to Norris. “Yes,” Norris nodded. “This floor is specially made for it,” he continued. Oscar Piastri also joined in on the conversation. “Were these all the highlights? Is this all that happened last race,” he wondered aloud. “Nothing happened. I don’t think there was even any overtaking,” Norris believed.
