Norris only handed three-place grid drop for Azerbaijan GP as F1 stewards show leniency

Lando Norris has been handed a three-place grid drop for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix following a red-flag infringement during F1 qualifying.

McLaren driver Norris was caught up in the mayhem that unfolded during Q1 around the Baku City Circuit as he was in two minds whether to enter the pits just as a red-flag was shown following Antonio Giovinazzi's crash in his Alfa Romeo.

Despite quickly conversing with his team, Norris opted to stay out on track, leading to his penalty which the stewards have explained could have been a five-place penalty.

In their report, the stewards noted: "Norris was just on the long start-finish-straight when red flags were displayed.

"Consequently, red lights were flashing on a panel on the left guardrail and on the car’s dashboard.

"During the hearing, the driver admitted that he lifted the throttle, braked and was committed to and able to enter the pitlane.

"At that moment he was not sure what to do and asked his team over the radio.

"Although the team ordered him immediately to enter the pits, it was too late and Norris crossed the finish line one more time.

"The stewards assume that if a red flag is not respected during qualifying, a drop of five grid positions is appropriate.

"However, if you consider that the driver only had a very short time to react due to his position on the track, a drop of three grid positions is sufficient as an exception."

Norris had qualified sixth but now falls to ninth, with Red Bull's Sergio Perez, Yuki Tsunoda in his AlphaTauri and Alpine's Fernando Alonso all promoted one place.

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