It’s always something when Max starts to win…
The United States Grand Prix in Austin delivered its share of drama on and off the track, with Red Bull Racing fined €50,000 after one of its team members attempted to return to the grid during the formation lap — reportedly to remove a reference marker placed by McLaren for Lando Norris.
According to multiple sources, the Red Bull crew member tried to re-enter the grid via Gate 1, adjacent to Norris’ second-place grid spot, after the formation lap had begun. The individual was stopped by marshals but allegedly ignored instructions to stay clear. The FIA stewards ruled the act a breach of safety protocol, describing it as “failure to follow the instructions of relevant officials.”
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It has since been revealed that the purpose of the attempted re-entry was to remove a small strip of duct tape fixed to the pitwall — a visual guide McLaren uses to help Norris accurately line up his car before the race start. The tape is a legal aid used by several teams, but rivals are equally free to remove such markers if given the opportunity.
However, entering the track area after the formation lap begins is strictly prohibited due to safety regulations. The incident was not caught by TV cameras but was reportedly visible on trackside CCTV footage.
Laurent Mekies, Red Bull team principal, addressed the situation after the race, suggesting it may have stemmed from a misunderstanding. “We fully respect the stewards,” Mekies said. “It was felt that one of our guys may not have followed marshal instructions. We looked at the video with the FIA, and we’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
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The stewards’ report emphasized the seriousness of the breach: “Any person affiliated with a team should be aware that entering the track or delaying safety procedures after the grid has been cleared is absolutely prohibited.” Half of the €50,000 fine was suspended for the remainder of the season, pending no further violations.
The bizarre moment added another layer of intrigue to a race that Max Verstappen ultimately won for Red Bull, with Lando Norris finishing second and Charles Leclerc rounding out the podium.
While gamesmanship is nothing new in Formula 1, the incident highlights the razor-thin line between competitive tactics and unsafe conduct — and this time, Red Bull’s attempt to unsettle McLaren came with a price tag.
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