Red Bull has received a fine of 50,000 euros from the FIA, half of which is conditional, following a notable incident at the start of the American GP in Austin. A team member is alleged to have removed tape that McLaren had applied to assist Lando Norris in positioning his car correctly at the start. According to various sources, this is not the first time Red Bull has obstructed McLaren in this manner.
According to the stewards, the involved Red Bull employee entered the starting grid without permission and removed the tape that had been affixed to the asphalt shortly before the start. Earlier this season, McLaren had received approval from the FIA to use such markings, allowing the drivers to better gauge from the cockpit where exactly the car needs to be positioned. At the start, drivers can leave nothing to chance.
Reports from Reuters and the BBC suggest that this is not the first time Red Bull employees have removed McLaren’s tape. The British team subsequently decided to use stronger tape to prevent it from being easily detached. The FIA ultimately imposed a fine of 50,000 euros on Red Bull, of which 25,000 euros is conditional. The team only has to pay this amount if a similar incident occurs again.
