Lando Norris, disappointed with his performance: “I’m just doing a shitty job.”

Lando Norris has struggled in qualifying this season. The McLaren driver finished with the 5th fastest time in Abu Dhabi. However, a slide on the track during his final flying lap cost him several tenths of a second. Despite needing to secure himself as Red Bull’s main rival on the circuit after very good practice sessions, the British driver will start behind his teammate.

Too many recurring errors

According to Lando Norris, losing control of his vehicle cost him at least four tenths on the track. He believes that he can only blame himself for letting a good opportunity for the starting grid slip away. This disappointment in qualifying has been weighing on him for a few weeks. A track limits violation cost him a front row start and poor timing in Mexico resulted in his elimination in Q1.

« When you make a mistake in qualifying while fighting for a good position, it’s frustrating,” said the McLaren driver. « But I make so many mistakes on Saturdays right now. Each of the other laps was really one of my best. Q1 and Q2 encompassed my best laps, and my first lap in Q3 was very strong. I just made a small mistake. I don’t know why it happened. I didn’t do it at all during the weekend. So yes, it’s frustrating because I’m just doing a shitty job on Saturdays. I’m fighting for P2, and I finish P5 because of a stupid mistake. So, I’m too hard on myself. »

Piastri back in 2nd line

As a second 100% McLaren line began to take shape, George Russell managed to slip into P4 for the start. Alongside him, Oscar Piastri makes a comeback in the leading group. The Australian driver had a very solid weekend, with fewer crucial mistakes than his teammate.

« “It was a bit chaotic,” said Oscar Piastri. « “The performance was there, but there were a lot of mistakes. On the last lap, I made a small one. But it would have been a hell of a last corner to come out in front. So, no, happy with that. The car is very fast this weekend. It’s a nice turnaround for us compared to Vegas. I’m happy to be back in the top three.”

McLaren only has an 11-point lead over Aston Martin in the constructor standings.