Lando Norris criticized the pit lane design of Madring after securing pole position for the Spanish Formula 1 GP. The McLaren driver stated that the length of the pit area greatly increases time loss and harms strategic variety.
Read more F1: Tire strategy becomes a doubt for teams in Madrid
At about 600 meters, the pit lane of the new circuit is the longest on the calendar. For Norris, this also results in the greatest time loss during a stop, reducing the incentive for teams to try different strategies throughout the race.
“It’s the longest pit lane of the year and also the biggest time loss of the year, so that only further reduces the desire to stop and try different strategies,” Norris said after securing pole by just 0.011 seconds over Andrea Antonelli.
The British driver especially questioned this choice on a new circuit. “If we are going to build a new track and spend so much money, this should probably be one of the main factors: having a short pit lane so that people can stop and, with that, create overtaking,” he explained.
Read more F1: Russell postpones penalty awaiting new Mercedes engine
Despite the criticism, Norris also highlighted positive aspects of Madring. According to him, the pit exit avoids the first corner and leads directly to the second, something he considers a good solution. Still, he emphasized that the pit lane remains “the longest and slowest of the year.”
The McLaren driver also made it clear that he liked the challenge of the track. “It’s still a fun circuit. Qualifying was exciting and still a bit scary, so it’s a good feeling.”
Read more F1: Antonelli believes in a race decided by tire management
