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Norris loses Spanish GP after VSC disrupts pit stop

By Drooid · Sep 15, 2026, 6:12 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Norris loses lead

Lando Norris lost the Spanish Grand Prix after a Virtual Safety Car stopped his pit stop.
He led by six seconds on lap 15 when Lance Stroll’s retirement triggered the VSC.
After the VSC ended, Norris pitted, took a seven-second stop and fell to fifth.
Norris urged a full-lap VSC or temporary pit-lane closure to ensure fairness.

Summary

Stella calls redesign

Drivers Oscar Piastri and George Russell said Madrine’s layout offers almost no overtaking zones.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella called for circuit modifications to create passing opportunities.
Organizers projected nearly 350,000 spectators across the weekend despite a few hundred local residents protesting the race’s return.
The Madrid Grand Prix returns after 45 years, with a contract securing F1 races at Madrine through 2035.

History

Historical Context

1975 Montjuïc street circuit in Barcelona saw Rolf Stommelen’s crash kill four spectators and stop the race after 29 laps, giving Jochen Mass half points. The disaster shifted the Spanish Grand Prix to the safer Jarama layout and led FIA to require barriers and runoff zones. Madrid’s “Madring” circuit, opened in 2026 under a contract to 2035, revives race with those safety standards.

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Norris loses lead

Lando Norris lost the Spanish Grand Prix after a Virtual Safety Car stopped his pit stop.
He led by six seconds on lap 15 when Lance Stroll’s retirement triggered the VSC.
After the VSC ended, Norris pitted, took a seven-second stop and fell to fifth.
Norris urged a full-lap VSC or temporary pit-lane closure to ensure fairness.

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