VSC timing helped Antonelli win as Norris lost out in Madrid
Reports said the virtual safety car triggered by Lance Stroll’s retirement changed the outcome of the Madrid race. The timing favored Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes, while analysis from Jolyon Palmer said McLaren’s decision to pit Lando Norris after the VSC only confirmed the loss of victory.
Multiple outlets said the virtual safety car was the pivotal moment in the Madrid race. According to Motorsport.com, the VSC was triggered by Lance Stroll’s retirement and arrived at the perfect time for Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes, altering a race that had looked set to end with Lando Norris taking victory.
Motorsport.com also reported that Norris had already passed the pit entry when the VSC was deployed, leaving him exposed to the change in circumstances. Formula1.com, citing analysis from Jolyon Palmer, said McLaren’s decision to pit Norris after the VSC made little sense and effectively cemented the loss of the race.
Crash.net reported that Martin Brundle described Norris as having been robbed by the situation and proposed a possible change to Formula 1’s virtual safety car rules. Across the coverage, the common theme was that the VSC timing proved decisive in the fight for the win.
Sources (3)
Summaries are synthesized by F1 Hub from the linked sources. Follow the links above to read the full reporting at each outlet.