Confusion at the start

Chaos in Sao Paulo: Norris and Russell penalized!

Lando Norris had to settle for sixth place in the end.(Bild: AP/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Lando Norris and George Russell were given a warning and a fine following the Brazilian Grand Prix. The two Brits had left the grid on Sunday without permission. 

Background: After Lance Stroll buried his Aston Martin in the gravel on the warm-up lap, race control gave the signal to abort the start. Although this had also been communicated to the drivers, Norris and Russell left the formation. "The race director initiated the procedure to abort the start, which means that the drivers should not leave the starting grid. This message was necessary because a car had to be recovered in turn four," explained the stewards in their ruling. 

Lance Stroll ended up in the gravel.(Bild: AFP/APA/Miguel Schincariol)

Norris caused chaos
Assuming that another formation lap was planned, the two drivers from row one encouraged their opponents to do the same and get their cars moving. "In the opinion of the stewards, the driver NOR (Norris) triggered the actions of the drivers directly behind him on the grid," it continued.

Lando Norris (l.) and George Russell (r.) were penalized for their unauthorized start.(Bild: AP/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

As Norris and Russell were in breach of Article 47.1 of the Sporting Regulations, their offense was punished with a fine of 5,000 euros each and a warning - the third for Norris this season.

For the McLaren driver, it was generally an afternoon to forget. Having started from pole position, the 24-year-old had to settle for sixth place in the end. World championship leader Max Verstappen, on the other hand, raced from 17th place to his first victory in over four months.