McLaren driver Lando Norris expressed frustration with his performance in the Sprint Qualifying session at the United States Grand Prix. Despite securing P4, Norris called his final lap “shocking” and revealed that car balance and setup issues plagued him throughout the day.
The McLaren team had entered the Austin event with high hopes, but challenges emerged early, leaving Norris uncertain about the team’s race pace for the upcoming Sprint.
Norris Unhappy with Sprint Qualifying Performance
Norris started the weekend with some promise, finishing P4 in the sole practice session earlier in the day. However, the Briton ended Sprint Qualifying in the same position, behind Max Verstappen, George Russell, and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
After stepping out of his car, Norris reflected on his day:
“Not very good – I’m P4. Not a great day; I’ve been struggling the whole day with the balance and setup.”
Although he expressed mild relief that the result wasn’t worse, Norris remained critical of his own efforts:
“Happy with P4 in a way, but my lap was shocking. It could have been worse, but it could have been better too.”
When asked whether the team’s recent updates were the cause of his struggles, Norris dismissed the idea:
“It’s not a new package; it’s pretty much the same. So, it’s just been a difficult day.”
The McLaren driver acknowledged that while things could improve during the Sprint, he remained uncertain about the car’s performance in race conditions.
Focus Shifts to Sprint Race Strategy
Looking ahead to the Sprint, Norris outlined his plan to make up ground, though he admitted there was little clarity about the team’s race pace:
“My plan is to go forward, but I think we are where we deserve to be today.”
He added:
“I hope to go forward – that’s my goal – but I don’t know how much progress we can make.”
With fierce competition from top teams like Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari, Norris faces a challenging task to convert his Sprint Qualifying result into valuable points during the Sprint event.
Piastri Suffers Early Exit Due to Track Limits
Meanwhile, it was a frustrating day for Norris’s teammate Oscar Piastri. The Australian driver faced an early exit in SQ1 after his lap time was deleted for exceeding track limits at Turn 19. As a result, Piastri will start the Sprint from P16, adding to McLaren’s challenges in Austin.
Reflecting on his performance, Piastri said:
“Most of the lap was good, but I made mistakes in the last sector. I just tried to go too fast at the second-to-last corner.”
Despite his disappointment, the 23-year-old remained positive about having another chance in the Sprint:
“The good thing about Sprint weekends is that we get another shot tomorrow.”
McLaren Aims for a Comeback Amid Tough Competition
Piastri acknowledged that McLaren’s performance this weekend has not been as strong as in previous races. However, he suggested that the competition had become tougher rather than McLaren falling behind.
“It feels okay, but maybe not quite as strong as in recent weekends,” Piastri noted. “I don’t think we’re weaker; it seems like others are a bit stronger.”
Despite his starting position, Piastri was optimistic about his chances to fight for points during the Sprint:
“We’ll see what we can do. It’s definitely going to be tough, but we’ll try to fight back.”
Verstappen Secures Sprint Pole, Russell Eyes Victory
Max Verstappen narrowly secured pole for the Sprint race, edging out George Russell by just 0.012 seconds. The close margins promise exciting battles on the Formula 1 schedule, with Russell voicing confidence in his chances to convert the strong qualifying result into a Sprint victory.
Russell said:
“This is what excites me about Formula 1 – I think we have a real shot at winning the Sprint.”
Charles Leclerc, who also had a competitive start, expressed concerns about Ferrari’s sudden drop in pace, highlighting how difficult it is to predict performance under the Sprint format.
Sprint Event Set to Deliver More Drama
As the United States Grand Prix weekend unfolds, the Sprint event is expected to add another layer of excitement to the Formula 1 schedule. With key players like Norris and Piastri aiming to recover from their struggles, the Sprint offers an opportunity for surprises.
McLaren fans will be keen to see if Norris can overcome his challenging day and secure crucial points. Meanwhile, Piastri will focus on climbing through the field from P16, hoping to demonstrate the resilience that has characterised his rookie season.
Tight Competition Raises Stakes in Austin
The Austin circuit has already showcased how fine margins can determine success, with Verstappen taking pole by the narrowest of gaps. McLaren’s drivers are prepared for an intense fight, knowing that every position gained could prove vital in the championship battle.
As the action continues, Formula 1 fans can expect plenty of drama, with both the Sprint and the main race poised to deliver thrilling moments.