Lando Norris has been penalised by the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix race stewards for a technical infringement during practice on Friday.
Norris was summoned to the stewards at 19:00 local time on Friday to explain a technical infringement on his McLaren MCL40.
The reigning champion ground to a halt during FP2 with an undisclosed electrical issue, where the marshals discovered the problem.
The Clutch Disengagement System (CDS) button had transparent tape covering it, and could not be broken without a tool.
Marshals require access to the CDS in order to quickly disengage an F1 car’s clutch after it has stopped on circuit, with the stewards taking a dim view.
Opting to fine McLaren €30,000, they suspended €10,000 of the penalty for a year, provided a similar breach of regulation does not occur.
Full statement from the stewards
“The Stewards heard from the team Sporting Director and Technical Director Applied Engineering, the FIA Single Seater Sporting Director, FIA Technical Delegate, FIA Electronic Engineer and FIA electric and Hybrid Powertrain Engineer.
“The team admitted that for aerodynamic purposes it had placed transparent tape over the button that is required to be pressed to activate the CDS. This, in the opinion of the FIA representatives and admitted by the team, completely defeated the purpose of the CDS system, which is designed to be activated quickly by a marshal wearing protective gloves. The team conceded that it was not possible to break the tape and press the button by hand without the use of a tool.
“The Stewards have determined to suspend a lower amount of this penalty compared to a breach of this same regulation at the previous event, because that breach, and the subsequent penalty, should have alerted all teams to the importance of the CDS system.
“Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 5 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.”
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