Lando Norris insists he has the pace for decent result in Azerbaijan GP despite ‘frustrating’ Q1 knockout

Lando Norris is confident in McLaren's fighting chances at the Azerbaijan GP despite qualifying in the bottom five of the grid.

Lando Norris insists he has the pace for decent result in Azerbaijan GP despite ‘frustrating’ Q1 knockout

Lando Norris (via imago)

Lando Norris had continued to close the gap to Max Verstappen in the drivers’ title amidst the latter’s struggling pace. The Briton was expected to further shorten the gap at the Azerbaijan GP. However, Norris failed to clear the Q1 qualifying session and could only manage a P17 start to the race. Regardless, the 24-year-old is confident in his fighting chances in the main race.

Lando Norris was out for the fast lap in the final few minutes of the Qualifying session and was eliminated in Q1. However, an unexpected yellow flag caught Norris off-guard as he was unable to put forth the best lap possible. Regardless, the Briton claimed that he was hopeful of great results, courtesy of the ‘quick car.’

I'm still hopeful we can get a good result, the car is still quick. A little bit frustrating but nothing I could do.
Lando Norris said during the post-session interview
YouTube video

Apart from this, Norris reckoned that the remaining drivers were able to conclude their second laps while he couldn’t. Regardless, Norris believed that there was a ‘long race’ ahead as he would attempt his best to move up the pecking order. Additionally, the 24-year-old was confident in the ‘good tires’ available with McLaren.

FS Video
Just everyone did their second laps and I didn't so. I had to lift [for yellows]. It is what it is, long race ahead, we have some good tyres in the bank, I don't know.
Lando Norris added
RELATED
Oscar Piastri insists he ‘maximised’ the car to secure P2 in Azerbaijan GP Qualifying after Lando Norris elimination
Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris (via IMAGO)

Lando Norris labeled Azerbaijan GP’s Q1 elimination as ‘frustrating’

Lando Norris will have to continue to score the best results possible to contend for the world championship. However, such performances could take a massive hit at his running in the contention. Hence, Norris labeled the situation as ‘frustrating’ despite not being able to do anything to fetch a better outcome.

A little bit frustrating but nothing I could do.
Lando Norris added
RELATED
Carlos Sainz admits Ferrari ‘5 seconds slower’ than 2023 in Azerbaijan GP practice
Carlos Sainz
Oscar Piastri [L], Lando Norris [R] (image via IMAGO)
Oscar Piastri [L], Lando Norris [R] (image via IMAGO)
RELATED
“What a loser” – Fans mock Lando Norris over SHOCK elimination from Q1 in Azerbaijan GP Qualifying
Lando Norris (via imago)

Oscar Piastri will try to gain major points for McLaren as Norris has crushing hopes of competing for the race win. Regardless, the street circuit might witness massive racing action as the Briton attempts to move up the pecking order.