In Formula 1, a quick getaway can shape the entire outcome of a race—especially on circuits where track position is everything.
The term “clean air is king” is more than driver jargon; it describes how critical it is to get out front early and preserve tyre life. Falling behind often means burning through rubber much faster.
That’s why a strong launch, whether from pole or the second row, can set the stage for a win. Max Verstappen’s Imola start is a prime example — his bold move around the outside of Tamburello helped him seize control of the race from the very first lap.
At the Spanish Grand Prix, Lando Norris found himself at the sharp end of the grid. And according to F1 journalist Adam Cooper, he used a clever trick to avoid jumping the start.
Lando Norris uses silver tape to stay sharp at the Spanish Grand Prix
Recent races haven’t been all smooth sailing for Norris when it comes to launch control. Issues in 2024, including a technical problem in Hungary, cost him places off the line. After the summer break, he identified starts as his top priority for improvement.
That’s why, ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, he made a specific request to his team. On the grid, they placed a piece of silver tape on the pit wall to give him a visual reference, helping him avoid any false start penalties. Adam Cooper noticed the detail while walking the grid.
He said on X: “It’s all in the details! Lando Norris directing his guys as they align a piece of silver tape on the Barcelona pit wall with his front wheels in order to avoid a false start.”
Why a quick start mattered at the Spanish Grand Prix
The run down to Turn 1 at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is short, but any advantage there can set the tone for the entire opening lap. Just look at the starts of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
In a side-by-side comparison shared by F1, Leclerc was two-tenths quicker off the line:
That difference allowed Leclerc to jump Andrea Kimi Antonelli and put himself in a position to challenge Hamilton in the opening laps. Ferrari’s team orders then compounded Hamilton’s problems — he was later told to let Leclerc through, and went on to finish sixth, one spot behind Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg.
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