P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Despite clinching his second successive front-row start of the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix weekend, Lando Norris adjudges that McLaren’s pace was simply “not enough” to challenge polesitter Max Verstappen. Norris was less than a tenth shy of Verstappen during Friday’s Sprint qualifying and challenged him for victory early on during Saturday morning’s Sprint, but […]
During the Sprint qualifying on Friday, Norris was close to Verstappen but fell behind during the Grand Prix qualifying, with Verstappen out-qualifying him by over four-tenths of a second on a 64-second lap. Norris felt that his laps on Saturday were not as strong due to wind conditions, resulting in a step behind Verstappen.
Despite starting in P2 on the front row, Norris couldn’t challenge Verstappen in Saturday’s Sprint race, briefly taking the lead before ultimately finishing behind both Verstappen and his McLaren teammate. Norris acknowledges his mistakes and doubts if he could have matched Verstappen’s pace in racing conditions, given the Dutchman’s strong performance in qualifying.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s Grand Prix, Norris remains optimistic, citing favorable racing conditions and McLaren’s recent strength in races. He recognizes the challenge posed by Verstappen but remains hopeful for a strong performance.
