Lando Norris: “I hope this is the start of something”
Lando Norris dominated qualifying in Austria, taking pole position more than half a second ahead of Charles Leclerc.
McLaren driver Lando Norris believes his impressive pole position for the Austrian Grand Prix could mark the beginning of his mid-season turnaround in Formula 1.
A strong start to the weekend
Despite his absence during the first free practice sessions on Friday — giving up his place to young McLaren driver Alex Dunne — Lando Norris displayed impressive form at the Red Bull Ring, setting the fastest time in all sessions of the weekend so far.
On Saturday, he placed his McLaren in pole position with a time of 1:03.971, relegating Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri to more than half a second behind.
Although a spin by Pierre Gasly in the last corner deprived some drivers, including Piastri, of a final attempt, Norris seemed untouchable in Q3 anyway.
« It was a good lap, for sure, » said the McLaren driver. « I improved little by little. I felt that my first lap in Q3 was already solid, but I knew there were still some places where I could shave off time, and I managed to do it. »
« I executed what I had planned. And when I plan something and everything goes well, it often leads to very good results. I am very happy. It’s a good day, a good weekend for me so far. I hope it will continue, he explains.
Norris could overtake Piastri in the standings
Since the start of the season, Lando Norris has often struggled to keep up with the pace of his teammate Oscar Piastri. His retirement in Canada had relegated him 22 points behind the Australian in the championship.
But with this outstanding performance in the qualifiers, he hopes that this round could mark a real turning point in his quest for the title.
« The season is long, so I want to savor this moment — all the more so because some of my worst sessions this year have been in qualifying, » he explained, referring to several mistakes that penalized him in the race.
« Pulling off a lap like today, with such a performance throughout the whole weekend, is very satisfying for me. »
« But I am clear-headed: tomorrow is a long race. The season is still long too. I am very happy today, but I want to keep proving it to myself again and again. I hope this is only the beginning », he concluded.
