McLaren acknowledges virtual safety car impact in Spanish GP outcomes
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 14, 2026, 2:03 PM
Last updated Sep 14, 2026

McLaren's team principal Andrea Stella stated the team would not blame race control for their lost opportunity at the Spanish Grand Prix, despite Lando Norris starting from pole position. The timing of a virtual safety car, triggered by Lance Stroll's car failure, hindered Norris, forcing him to miss a crucial pit stop. Norris expressed frustration over losing time during the VSC, which he believes cost him the win, noting that he was the only driver unable to pit when the safety measures were enacted. McLaren has suggested a review of virtual safety car regulations for fairness but recognized that any changes would require a lengthy approval process within F1 governance.
- •Lando Norris started from pole position at the Spanish GP.
- •A virtual safety car was triggered by Lance Stroll's car failure.
- •Norris lost around 20 seconds and missed a key pit stop opportunity.
- •Andrea Stella acknowledges the need for possible regulation reviews.
- •Regulatory changes would require approval through F1's governance framework.
- 2:03 PMYahoo Sports — Why McLaren won’t blame F1 race control for lost Spanish GP victory
"McLaren team boss Andrea Stella believes the influence of a virtual safety car on the racing outcome is "not under the jurisdiction of the race director"
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