Lando Norris: “We lacked the pace of the Red Bulls”
Lando Norris was relatively satisfied with his qualifying at Spa on Saturday, given the McLaren's wet track performance, which was below that of the Red Bull.
Qualifying day in Belgium sparked mixed feelings at McLaren, with **Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri qualifying in fifth and sixth positions** respectively – positions that will become fourth and fifth after the 10-place penalty imposed on Max Verstappen – despite a promising performance during Friday’s practice sessions.
The session took place on a wet track at Spa-Francorchamps, following heavy rain, putting the drivers in difficult conditions. Norris said he was satisfied with his final result , although he felt he hadn’t driven at his best level.
« It was difficult, but I am honestly quite happy with today”, said the Briton after the session. « I think in the end, Oscar and I were separated by a tenth of a second or something like that.
« Clearly, we were lacking pace compared to the cars ahead – especially the Red Bull, the Red Bull is on another level compared to us in the rain and even on dry, they were probably still a little stronger.
« Max Verstappen will climb very quickly.
« A difficult day, I was expecting worse and I didn’t drive particularly well, just one of those days where things don’t click. Somewhat similar to yesterday, to be honest, so just a bit of a struggle for me, so starting in P5, I was quite happy.
Interviewed about his chances of fighting for victory on race day, Norris replied: “I mean, we are well placed, but we still have a Red Bull on pole and they are clearly the fastest.”
« It will be difficult, Max will probably climb back up very quickly and we will probably have to fight against him for the victory. But I hope that with a slightly lower downforce setting than we chose today, it will play in our favor tomorrow. »
