Lando Norris has approached the recent Red Bull tape incident at the U.S. Grand Prix with a sense of humor. The tape, which served as a guide to help prevent his car from crossing the grid line too far forward, garnered attention when Red Bull's mechanics tried to pull it off. Norris chuckled, stating that the incident had no bearing on his race start and was simply amusing.

The FIA imposed a €50,000 fine on Red Bull after one of its mechanics attempted to re-enter the grid area after the formation lap commenced; half of this fine is suspended. It's important to note that the penalty was not for the tape's removal but rather for disregarding marshals' directions about grid access. Despite this, the incident has sparked increased buzz as the teams gear up for the Mexican Grand Prix.

Norris highlighted that the tape represents a backup to the official grid markings, and although he mainly uses a yellow line for alignment, he found the situation extra funny given the penalty. “They got a penalty for it, and I didn’t even need it,” he remarked, pointing out that the tape serves as an additional precaution rather than a crucial element.

He humorously likened this altercation to “side quests” amid the title race involving McLaren and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Though it offered some entertainment, the tape issue ultimately didn't sway the race results. Norris quipped that McLaren had reinforced their tape to secure it better against any tampering.

Norris mentioned that Red Bull mechanics had successfully removed similar tape in earlier races, prompting his team to reinforce their strategy with additional layers. “We made it like those F1 car park passes that never come out of the window,” he joked, showcasing the level of effort teams put into safeguarding their visual cues.

Though he frequently relies on the painted grid line, Norris confirmed that the tape will keep its place as a backup. It is used sparingly but provides an extra layer of security during race starts, mitigating the risk of penalties for misalignment and ensuring consistency in various races.

Max Verstappen addressed the fine as well, indicating that it stemmed from a team member being on the grid post-instruction, not due to tape removal. He affirmed the stewards' reasoning as valid, clarifying that the situation surrounding visual aids is distinct from strict adherence to race rules.

This incident unfolds alongside a tightening championship race, with Verstappen narrowing the point lead over McLaren drivers Norris and Oscar Piastri. While seemingly trivial, the tape episode provides an entertaining subplot in this high-stakes rivalry, underscoring the detail and strategy both teams apply in Formula 1.

As preparations ramp up for the Mexican Grand Prix, Norris remains focused on his performance while appreciating the lighter side of this incident. The tape story has offered fans an inside look at the intricate tactics of F1 teams and the playful dynamics woven into competitive racing.