Norris denies influence over fastest lap rule change

Lando Norris doubts that a surprise Formula 1 rule change, scrapping the fastest lap bonus point, had anything to do with the controversy surrounding him at the Singapore Grand Prix.

In Thursday's World Motor Sport Council meeting, it was announced that the bonus point for the fastest lap in a grand prix would be removed.

In Singapore, Daniel Ricciardo made a late pitstop for fresh tyres in the Red Bull-owned RB car and subsequently set the fastest lap, which cost Norris an important championship point.

McLaren was furious about it, accusing the two Red Bull teams of collaborating.

"It might come down to that (point) at the end of the year," Norris said in Austin. "You know, it was Daniel's last race but it was also something to take away from me."

"If it was done with intent, then it's obviously not what we agree with. And I don't think something that Formula 1 would agree with either. But I don't feel like they should change it just because of people questioning it after Singapore," Norris clarified.

"It's got nothing to do with me," the British driver added. "It was all a team manager thing. It's got nothing to do with us."

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz has also voiced his support for scrapping the fastest lap point, but for a different reason, as he believes it often benefits drivers making "a free pitstop" towards the end of the race, rather than the genuinely fastest driver.

He suggested awarding an extra point for pole position instead.

"Obviously as drivers in qualifying, we like being the fastest because it shows you've done the cleanest lap. You've taken maybe more risks," said the Spaniard. "You've put everything on the line to go on pole.

"And a point for that in a tight field makes sense."

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