Red Bull Racing Fined €50,000 for Grid Marker Incident at US Grand Prix
Following the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Red Bull Racing has been fined €50,000—half of which is suspended for the remainder of the season—due to an incident involving a team member’s unauthorised return to the grid after the formation lap had commenced.
This breach of protocol raised safety concerns as the crew member attempted to remove a duct tape strip intended to assist competitor Lando Norris in properly positioning his Mclaren during the race.
Detailed Account of the Incident
According to multiple sources, the Red Bull crew member’s actions were intended to eliminate a vertical strip of duct tape affixed to the pit wall. The tape served as a visual marker for Norris, providing essential guidance as he navigated his grid position—a critical element considering the limited visibility drivers have from the cockpit.
This particular incident, which escaped the attention of television cameras, is understood to have been recorded by trackside CCTV.
Safety Protocol Breach
The Red Bull member’s attempt to re-enter the grid area not only disregarded the instructions of the on-site marshals but also raised significant safety concerns. Access between the pit lane and the grid requires that gates are closed and secured after the grid is cleared, ensuring a safe environment for the race start.
The stewards found the team’s actions to be a clear violation of these safety measures, deeming the incident as an “unsafe act.”
Team Principal’s Response
After the incident, Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies addressed the media, conveying that the team believed their actions complied with marshal instructions. “We respect the stewards but think there was a misunderstanding,” he stated, expressing confidence that the situation could be managed better in the future.
Historical Context of Gamesmanship
While such tactical moves are not uncommon in Formula 1, this incident highlights the thin line teams must navigate between competitive strategy and overt safety violations. Gamesmanship in F1 is well-documented, and similar attempts by Red Bull to interfere with competitors’ markers have reportedly occurred in the past, raising questions about the lengths teams will go to secure an advantage.
Red Bull Racing’s fine serves as an important reminder of the stringent safety protocols governing Formula 1 and the penalties that can arise from lapses in judgement. As the season progresses, all teams will be closely scrutinised to ensure compliance with regulations and the prioritisation of safety within the high-stakes environment of Formula 1 racing.