McLaren Racing Formula One driver Lando Norris has acknowledged the “big challenge” of overtaking Max Verstappen during the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The statement comes after Verstappen secured pole position in qualifying, followed by Norris in P2 and Oscar Piastri in P3.
The four-time world champion showcased an impressive pace this weekend and went on to secure the pole position with a staggering lap time of 1:18.792 seconds, breaking the lap record at Monza previously held by Lewis Hamilton.
McLaren has remained dominant on most race weekends thus far, but Verstappen’s pole offers Red Bull a much-needed hope of bouncing back, especially given the team’s challenges this season with its RB21 F1 car.
Norris, who beat Verstappen’s provisional pole position lap time in the final seconds of Q3, was defeated when the Dutchman gave his best final shot. Former F1 driver Nico Rosberg asked Norris after qualifying if he was shocked to see Max beat his lap time. The Briton said:
“No, no, no. He’s been… Max has been quicker weekend and it’s never a surprise with Max. It was quite a session for me just up and down and too many mistakes here and there, but to pull it out together on the last lap was… I was pretty happy. I’m happy with P2.”
Asked if he was happy about starting in front of his championship rival Piastri, Norris said:
“I always kind of give my result depending on how I drove today. So I feel like I didn’t do the best of jobs, but to end up P2, I was so happy with. So let’s say good things and bad things.
“P2 is still not a bad position to be off the line. And I mean, I want to be ahead of everyone that includes, you know, my championship contenders and Oscar. So yeah, no, it’s a good position for tomorrow and excited for the race.”
Norris then acknowledged his MCL39 F1 car’s superior race pace, but revealed the challenge of getting past Verstappen during the Grand Prix, especially since the RB21 matched the pace of his McLaren. He said:
“I mean, our race on Sunday is normally our strength. But yeah, to get past Max, I’m sure it’s going to be a big challenge, but we’ll see. Their pace was also very strong.
“If you see the end of the stint, they’re doing the same lap times as us. So, you know, I don’t expect any magical things and we have some Ferraris behind you. I’m sure we’re going to want to come through as quickly as possible. So it’s a long race. Many things can happen and we’ll see what we can do.”
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