Spanish GP 2026: McLaren backs Norris VSC stop

McLaren defended its VSC pit call for Lando Norris after the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix, as BBC Sport and other outlets examined how the timing swung the race.

McLaren defended its call to pit Lando Norris after the Virtual Safety Car in the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix, as several outlets revisited the decision after the race. Formula1.com reported that F1 TV analyst Jolyon Palmer argued the stop only reinforced Norris’ loss, while BBC Sport reported that Norris said he was “insanely unlucky” after the timing of the VSC cost him a chance to convert a strong position into victory.

Motorsport.com reported that Norris started from pole at Madrid’s new street circuit and opened a lead of roughly six seconds in the early laps before the race turned. The same outlet reported that he had already passed the pit entry when the VSC was called, leaving McLaren to bring him in on the next lap, and added that the team did not intend to blame race control.

RaceFans reported that Norris supported the decision to stop immediately once the VSC was in effect, and also noted his criticism of the current VSC rules. Norris arrived at the event fourth in the drivers’ championship on 186 points; across his Formula 1 career to 2026, he has 11 wins and 16 pole positions.