Lando Norris remains dissatisfied
Author of a very impressive performance in qualifying, Lando Norris will start in third position on the starting grid. Happy, the driver remains frustrated to have missed out on pole position by a few thousandths of a second.
On a circuit where it’s difficult to overtake, qualifying plays a crucial role, and all drivers obviously want to make their mark in order to start the race in the best possible conditions.
Frustrated but happy
A moment in possession of the best time, after Max Verstappen’s lap was canceled in Q2, Lando Norris was dreaming of the top. However, the suspense remained unbearable in Q3. Until the end, the last ten drivers on the track provided the fans with an exciting show. In the end, it was another British driver, Lewis Hamilton, who beat Verstappen’s time and gave Mercedes its first pole position since Russell’s in 2021. Lando Norris will start from third place alongside his garage neighbor, Oscar Piastri, in fourth.
« I am happy. A mixture, I think, because I am happy but I am also frustrated about missing out on what could have been a better position, » he shares in a press conference.
Disappointed to have missed out on pole position, the McLaren driver also expressed surprise at such a good result as he expected a drop in performance after Silverstone.
« I was surprised by the pace. I think everyone says that Budapest is one of the slower circuits but I would say it’s closer to an average speed. In the chicane, turn 1 and 12, that’s where I lost the most time but we came very close to the pole position so I think we’re pretty happy with that. A little surprised but it’s a good surprise. »
Nothing is guaranteed
Does this mean that the team can be competitive anywhere? Lando Norris’s response : « No, certainly not ».
« We are happy with where we are, with the team and the progress we have made. We didn’t expect this. We knew the improvements were a step forward, but not to be consistently competitive at the top for several races. I’m taking full advantage of it because I don’t know how long it will last. But it’s clear that we have some weaknesses and they will show in certain places, like Spa.
»
The Hungarian weekend, however, is far from over as Norris now has to try to make the most of his third position on the grid. Overtaking Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen may not be an easy task. The driver prefers to focus on his own performance without thinking too much about an attack.
« It’s going to be difficult. Lewis is one of the best at the start, so it’s going to be a challenge. It will be difficult to get ahead of him. If Max could do the same thing as at Silverstone, that would be wonderful. I am focusing on getting a good start and seeing how things go from there.
To follow this eleventh round of the season, see you from 3pm this Sunday.
