Norris calls for VSC fairness review after Antonelli wins Spanish Grand Prix

Lando Norris called for a discussion about virtual safety car fairness after finishing third in Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix, where Kimi Antonelli won ahead of Max Verstappen. In the FIA's post-race press conference, Norris said the timing of the intervention had denied him a pit-stop opportunity available to his rivals, while acknowledging that he had benefited from similar situations before.

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According to BBC Sport, Norris had built a lead of more than six seconds over Antonelli after 13 laps. The virtual safety car was deployed after Lance Stroll's Aston Martin stopped at Turn 20, just after Norris had passed the pit entrance at the end of lap 14. Antonelli and Verstappen were still able to turn into the pits.

The caution ended before Norris reached the pit lane again. BBC Sport reported that stopping under the virtual safety car saved 11 seconds compared with a green-flag stop. Problems changing Norris's two right-hand tyres cost another five seconds, and he rejoined more than 15 seconds behind Antonelli. He subsequently caught Verstappen but could not pass the Red Bull driver.

Antonelli acknowledged in the FIA transcript that Norris had deserved the win and judged second or third a more representative outcome for his own performance. Verstappen also recognised the role of Norris's misfortune, saying he had lacked the pace of both rivals. He explained that defending the middle of the road had helped him retain second on a circuit where overtaking proved difficult.

Norris raised possible alternatives including keeping the virtual safety car in place for a full lap or restricting pit entry, but stressed that changing conditions such as rain complicated the issue. Verstappen said the drivers would probably revisit the subject at their next briefing. Their comments set out proposals for discussion, rather than an agreed change to the regulations.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella told BBC Sport the team would review whether it could have anticipated the intervention. He also said any regulatory change would require discussion through Formula 1's advisory and decision-making bodies, describing a potentially lengthy process. He did not commit to a preferred solution.