“McLaren or Ferrari”: NASCAR broadcaster reacts to massive penalty in Qatar GP for Lando Norris

McLaren F1's Lando Norris lost a potential podium finish in the Qatar Grand Prix after receiving a massive 10-second stop-and-go penalty. NASCAR broadcaster Leigh Diffey reacted to the severe sanction on social media.

The recently concluded Qatar Grand Prix was filled with many surprises, from multiple safety car periods to harsh penalties. Topping the list of drivers with severe penalties in this race was McLaren's Norris. The 25-year-old racer was handed a 10-second stop-and-go penalty during the race, failing to slow down in the sector with yellow flags.

While fans might consider this penalty severe, not slowing down is dangerous with hazards on the racetrack. As a result of the decision, Norris lost out on the opportunity to secure a podium finish at Lusail International Circuit. Despite dropping to the last position in the race, the youngster fought his way back into the Top 10s, securing two crucial points (one for a 10th-place finish and one for the fastest lap of the race) for the constructor's title.

With the constructor's battle continuing between McLaren and Ferrari to the last race of the 2024 season, NASCAR broadcaster Diffey spoke about the potential repercussions of Norris' penalty on X.

Here's a look at his post, captioned:

"Clearly that Lando penalty has had a massive impact on the constructors world championship. Who would you like to see win it? McLaren or Ferrari?"

For reference, Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen has already secured the 2024 driver title. After the penalty debacle during the Qatar Grand Prix, Ferrari has reduced its gap to McLaren's lead in the constructor's championship to just 21 points.

As a result, Both McLaren and Ferrari are still in contention for the 2024 title, with one more race to go in the season.

---

"I don’t know if I’ve missed it or just been dumb," - Lando Norris on the massive penalty that cost him and McLaren crucial points in the championship

McLaren's Lando Norris was handed a 10-second stop-and-go penalty for failing to slow down during a yellow flag session during the Qatar Grand Prix. The young Brit expressed his feelings during the mandatory post-race media interaction.

"Honestly, I don’t know what I’ve done wrong at the minute. Apparently, I didn’t slow under the yellow. I’m not an idiot – if I knew there was a yellow I would have slowed down. I don’t know if I’ve missed it or just been dumb. But, yeah, the rule is if you don’t slow down under a yellow that’s the penalty, so it’s a fair penalty," Norris explained.

"The team gave me a great car today, so I’m thankful for the team. Disappointed that I couldn’t have done a worse job than I did today and not give them the points they deserve, so I’ve made the job of the team much harder than it needs to be. The team are doing a great job but I’ve let them down," he added, taking responsibility for the penalty.

With just one race to go in the 2024 F1 season, Norris is placed second in the driver's table. He is 8 points ahead of his Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc right now.