McLaren furious with FIA over Lando Norris’ ‘extremely costly’ Q1 exit from Azerbaijan GP qualifying

McLaren desperately needs wins and podiums in order to claim the constructors' title this year.

McLaren furious with FIA over Lando Norris’ ‘extremely costly’ Q1 exit from Azerbaijan GP qualifying

Lando Norris (via: IMAGO, X/comfort lando, screenshot)

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has expressed his discontent with the FIA after Lando Norris‘ dismal result in the Azerbaijan GP qualifying. Norris was eliminated in Q1 despite having a good pace, he will now start the 51-lap event from P17.

Lando Norris has been unfortunate on track despite having one of the fastest cars on the grid. He has since been the subject of widespread scrutiny due to his lack of clinical nature during races.

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Andrea Stella claims that Norris was forced to back out of a superb lap due to an incorrectly waving yellow flag in Q1. Stella further clarified that the team held talks with the FIA to discuss the validity of the decision.

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We’re discussing now with the FIA as to why a yellow flag was displayed at that moment in time, which was extremely costly. This time there was a situation that I think by the regulations, shouldn't have happened. We paid the price but we don't give up.
Andrea Stella said after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying

Norris’ poor start at the Baku City Circuit will greatly affect his chances in the drivers’ championship from here on. The 24-year-old is now left with no option but to inevitably deliver to salvage as much as he can for McLaren in the main race.

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Oscar Piastri shares thoughts after charting P2 for McLaren in qualifying

Oscar Piastri will start P2 behind Charles Leclerc after failing to match the latter’s time by only three-tenths of a second. Piastri has been a consistent performer for the Woking-based team since the start of the season.

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Red Bull's Max Verstappen, Christian Horner and Helmut Marko (via IMAGO)
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Oscar Piastri, image via IMAGO
I think following around here will be really tough, so hopefully I can get some clean air but I think our race pace is good. But the Ferraris are not slow.
Oscar Piastri said after qualifying at Baku

Oscar Piastri was pleased with the pace of his MCL38 around the challenging streets of Baku during qualifying. Piastri has, however, claimed that Ferrari will also be a tough competitor during the 51-lap race.

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Piastri will now look to get a good start in order to take the lead in the race early on. He has demonstrated immense capabilities in doing the same previously too, which is a good sign for the Papayas.