Lando Norris receives reprimand for erratic driving behind safety car after avoiding collision with Oscar Piastri.

FIA stewards issued Lando Norris a reprimand for driving erratically behind the safety car at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The McLaren driver had to brake heavily and steer into the gravel to avoid hitting teammate Oscar Piastri when cars ahead slowed unexpectedly as George Russell retired his Mercedes.

Norris explained that low sun and resulting visibility conditions made it difficult to recognize that cars had started slowing earlier than normal. When he realized his closing speed was too great, he deliberately steered onto the kerbs and into the gravel bed to avoid contact, momentarily overshooting Piastri in the process.

The stewards determined this did not constitute an overtaking manoeuvre since it occurred solely as a consequence of Norris taking avoiding action while leaving the track. They found no violation regarding his safe return to the racing surface or any alleged overtake of Lance Stroll under safety car conditions.

While acknowledging Norris reacted promptly to avoid contact, the stewards emphasized that drivers must maintain appropriate margins to cars ahead during safety car periods. They considered the prevailing visibility conditions as circumstances Norris should have accounted for rather than grounds to excuse the resulting erratic driving.