McLaren fined after Lando Norris stoppage during Monaco FP2

Norris stopped in the run off area at the harbour chicane with an electrical problem, but marshals were unable to activate the mandatory Clutch Disengagement System (CDS), designed to allow stalled cars to be moved quickly and safely.

Following an investigation, stewards revealed McLaren had covered the CDS activation button with transparent tape for aerodynamic reasons, preventing marshals from using it as intended.

In their decision, stewards explained: "The team admitted that for aerodynamic purposes it had placed transparent tape over the button that is required to be pressed to activate the CDS.

"This, in the opinion of the FIA representatives and admitted by the team, completely defeated the purpose of the CDS system, which is designed to be activated quickly by a marshal wearing protective gloves.  The team conceded that it was not possible to break the tape and press the button by hand without the use of a tool."

The remaining €10,000 of the penalty has been suspended for 12 months, provided McLaren do not commit a similar breach during that period.

The ruling comes only two weeks after Racing Bulls were fined €30,000 for an almost identical offence during practice at the Canadian Grand Prix. On that occasion, €20,000 of the sanction was suspended, but stewards opted for a tougher approach in Monaco given the recent precedent.

Explaining the decision, FIA-appointed stewards said: "The stewards have determined to suspend a lower amount of this penalty compared to a breach of this same regulation at the previous event, because that breach, and the subsequent penalty, should have alerted all teams to the importance of the CDS system."

The incident serves as another reminder of the FIA's increasing focus on safety systems, particularly those relied upon by marshals when recovering stranded Formula 1 cars during practice, qualifying and races.