Lando Norris was unhappy after Lance Stroll benefitted from a “stupid rule” as he just missed out on the podium in the Italian Grand Prix.
The Briton ran third after a bold move around Valtteri Bottas at the Roggia chicane on the opening lap, but dropped back to seventh at the restart following the red flag.
Recovering to fourth as a result of penalties and Kimi Raikkonen falling down the field, the only thing that denied Norris his second trophy this season was the Racing Point, who capitalised on being able to change tyres during the mid-race stoppage.
“I couldn’t have done anything more,” he told Sky Sports.
“The only reason I think I was not on the podium today was Stroll benefitted from a free pit stop. It is a stupid rule. They just get it for free and they don’t deserve it, in many ways.”
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Rubbing a little salt in the wound, Norris also watched on as teammate Carlos Sainz scored McLaren’s third podium in second at Monza.
“I’m still proud [of finishing P4] and the only way I would have finished in P2 was if I qualified ahead [of Sainz] on Saturday,” Lando continued.
“I couldn’t have got ahead of Carlos today. He did everything he needed to do. You can always do a better job but it doesn’t mean you can just finish ahead of everyone even if you a perfect job.
“So, yeah, Carlos, did a good job.
“From my side, I still think I did a good job. It wasn’t a podium but I think that was out of our hands. As a team, though, we did the best job today.”
Pressed further on the rule which allowed Stroll to claim his second F1 podium, Norris believes it is unfair the Canadian could effectively complete a none-stop race.
“I think it [the rule] should be taken out,” he said.
“I think we have two examples. We’ve got Gasly who boxed just before [the Safety Car], he was ahead, the race gets red-flagged and that’s fair.
“You can’t do anything about that, but for someone who just hasn’t boxed [like Stroll], they have just gained 24 seconds for doing nothing.
“He should still have to pit. You can get lucky doing what Pierre did but I think that’s still just fair play.
“But not having to box and not having to use that mandatory pit stop is a thing that I don’t think is right.”
