McLaren questions yellow flag after Norris' Q1 exit at Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

McLaren has raised concerns over the yellow flag that thwarted Lando Norris' qualifying run during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The incident occurred during Norris' second run in Q1 when he had to abandon his lap due to a yellow flag warning for Esteban Ocon's slow-moving Alpine in the high-speed Turns 18 and 19.

Typically, a yellow flag signals drivers to slow down significantly and prepare for potential changes in direction. Conversely, white flags are usually used to notify drivers of slower cars ahead without necessitating a throttle lift.

Upon spotting the yellow flag, Norris was forced to abandon his current lap, which left him relying on his initial Q1 attempt. Unfortunately, this was only good enough to place him 17th on the starting grid. This result could prove detrimental to his championship aspirations, as he trails leader Max Verstappen by 62 points with eight races remaining.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella disclosed that he had consulted with the FIA regarding the yellow flag, despite the inevitable outcome of the session being unalterable.

"We will do our best to get back into the points and minimize the impact, but obviously that was a very unfortunate moment for Lando today," Stella told Sky Sports. "We were discussing with the FIA why a yellow flag was displayed at that moment in time, which was extremely costly."

Stella added, "The team didn't call it because it was displayed last minute, and we checked in our tools, and it is actually displayed as a yellow. We were in conversations with the FIA as to why that happened because the yellow flag isn't necessary when there's just a slow car, not on a flying lap."

"Everyone tried their best, I'm sure, but this time, there was a situation that ideally, and I think by the regulations, shouldn't have happened. We paid the price but we don't give up. We move on and will do our best tomorrow to get some good points."

In contrast, Norris' teammate Oscar Piastri qualified in second position, showcasing the performance potential of the McLaren car.

Stella remarked that while scoring points would be the target for Norris on Sunday, the likelihood of him outscoring title rival Verstappen, who is starting from sixth on the grid, seemed slim.

"With Lando, if we get within the radar of a Red Bull, it means the race has gone very well. I would, above all, think of trying to score some points," Stella told Sirius XM. "Here in Azerbaijan, you have red flags, you have safety cars, and you definitely need to enter the race with the mindset that all is possible, and we want to seize the opportunities that come our way."

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