Lando Norris has concluded the Sprint Qualifying of the United States Grand Prix in Austin with a disappointing fourth place. The British McLaren driver, a protagonist in the title fight all year, did not hide his frustration at a complicated day in which he struggled with the set up and balance of the car on a weekend where McLaren has brought many new things. However, Norris tries to look on the bright side, knowing that the challenge is still open.
An unsatisfactory fourth place
“It didn't go very well, I'm fourth, not a great day,” Norris said immediately after qualifying. “I struggled all day, both with the set-up and the balance of the car. On the one hand I’m happy with fourth place, I thought it could have been worse, but the last lap was really disarming.” Norris highlighted the difficulties encountered on track, which made the day extremely difficult for him and the McLaren team.
While fourth place was not an ideal result, Norris admitted he could have done worse. “A terrible day, yes. It could have been better, it could have been worse… But that’s it,” he added, noting that his car’s performance had not lived up to expectations, but still maintaining a pragmatic attitude.
Comparison with teammate
To make matters worse for McLaren, Norris' teammate Oscar Piastri was eliminated in Q1 and will start the Sprint Race only 16th.. A result that complicates McLaren's race this weekend in Austin, leaving Norris with the task of keeping the team's flag flying in the world championship challenge.
“Piastri had an even more difficult day,” said Norris. “It was not an easy session for the team, but we will try to analyse the data and improve for the race.” McLaren finds itself in a delicate situation in the title battle, with Norris trying to close the gap to Max Verstappen in the drivers’ standings, while Piastri is trying to make up ground.
A look at the world cup
With six races remaining, including three sprint weekends, the title challenge remains wide open, but Norris knows any mistake could be crucial. “It hasn’t been an ideal day, but we’re still in the fight,” he said. “The championship is still within our reach, we just need to keep working hard and maximise our opportunities in every session.”
Norris is determined to redeem himself in tomorrow’s Sprint Race, where he will look to earn valuable points to keep the fight for the world title alive.
