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FIA fine for Red Bull won’t stop F1 tricks claims ex-McLaren mechanic
A former McLaren F1 mechanic expressed the belief that Red Bull’s recent FIA fine will not deter similar incidents after a team member tampered with their rival’s grid tape at the US Grand Prix.
Red Bull incurred a €50,000 fine for attempting to remove tape guiding Lando Norris to his grid position, a move deemed a breach of marshal rules rather than altering trackside markings.
Ex-McLaren mechanic Gary Anderson noted the long-standing presence of such tactics in F1, emphasizing he would not engage in such practices himself.
McLaren has reportedly implemented measures against sabotage, including using marking tape that leaves traces upon removal, as observed during the Singapore GP with the message ‘better luck next time’.
Drivers Norris and Verstappen downplayed the incident, with the former finding humor in Red Bull’s failed attempt to remove the specialized tape and the latter dismissing it as a minor issue amid racing priorities.
