Sat Sep 14 17:57:49 UTC 2024: ## McLaren’s Norris Eliminated from Baku Qualifying Due to Misplaced Yellow Flag
**Baku, Azerbaijan:** McLaren driver Lando Norris was unexpectedly eliminated from qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after being shown a yellow flag that many believe was unnecessary. The yellow flag was activated for Esteban Ocon’s damaged Alpine, which was slowly returning to the pits following a crash in Q1.
The incident happened as Norris was approaching a critical section of the track, and he backed off in response to the flag, ultimately preventing him from completing a fast lap. This left him in 17th position on the grid for Sunday’s race.
McLaren team boss Andrea Stella voiced his concern about the yellow flag’s activation, stating that it wasn’t necessary as Ocon’s car posed no real danger.
“We checked right now with our tools, and it is actually displayed as a yellow so we are in conversation with the FIA [about] why that happened because a yellow flag is not necessary when there is a car that is just a slow car [that] is offline,” Stella said.
The FIA, however, confirmed that a marshal did activate the yellow flag on the digital system based on Ocon’s proximity to a high-speed section of the track.
The controversy lies in the fact that Ocon’s Alpine was well off the racing line and not obstructing any other drivers. While McLaren is seeking clarification from the FIA, the incident has raised questions about the application of yellow flags and their impact on race strategy.
This incident further dents Norris’s hopes of challenging Max Verstappen for the world championship, placing him in a difficult position going into the race.
First Piper 