Lando Norris blames “bad start” for losing Spanish GP to Max Verstappen
Lando Norris was far from happy after coming close to defeating Max Verstappen and taking his second victory of the season in Barcelona.
Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (Via IMAGO)
The 2024 Spanish GP was one of the most exciting races of the season. Pole-sitter Lando Norris did his best to try and defeat championship leader Max Verstappen. However, the Dutch driver had the upper hand throughout the race as he came home to take yet another victory. Now, Norris has revealed the key reason for losing out to the reigning world champion.
Lando Norris asserted that he should have won the Spanish GP. The British driver highlighted his poor start as the main reason for finishing second. Norris had lost out on track position to George Russell and Max Verstappen. As Russell managed to make an incredible double overtake on the McLaren and Red Bull heading into Turn 1.
Not could [have won], should have done. I got a bad start.Lando Norris said post-race
Nevertheless, Norris claimed that his McLaren car felt incredible throughout the Grand Prix. The Briton reckoned that the Woking-based team was the fastest in the race. Lando Norris affirmed that there were a lot of positives for the weekend. However, losing the race was the one negative that ‘ruined everything’ for the 26-year-old.
The car was incredible today, for sure we were the quickest. Lots of positives, one negative but that ruined everything.Lando Norris asserted
Lando Norris: Not could [have won], should have done. I got a bad start. The car was incredible today, for sure we were the quickest. Lots of positives, one negative but that ruined everything. Big thanks to the team as the car was amazing.
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) June 23, 2024
Lando Norris labels Spanish GP defeat as a ‘shame’ for McLaren
The British driver claimed that he would go back and review his start. Norris asserted that he would try to figure out where he went wrong as the five lights went out. Nevertheless, Lando Norris admitted that Max Verstappen and Red Bull did deserve to win after an impressive drive.
I need to look back at review [at the start], I don't know what I did wrong. Fair play to Red Bull and Max.Lando Norris stated
Norris confessed that it was a ‘shame’ that he couldn’t win his second race of the season this weekend. The McLaren driver was immensely frustrated by finishing in second place. However, Lando Norris was optimistic heading into two of his favorite races, the Austrian and British GPs in the next two weekends.
A shame we lost it at the same time, very frustrating. Austria and Silverstone are two of my favourite tracks, I just need to tidy up a few bits.Lando Norris concluded
Norris: I need to look back at review [at the start], I don't know what I did wrong. Fair play to Red Bull and Max, but a shame we lost it at the same time, very frustrating. Austria and Silverstone are two of my favourite tracks, I just need to tidy up a few bits.
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) June 23, 2024
Certainly, Lando Norris was disappointed by not being able to defeat Verstappen. The Briton would be looking to bounce back next weekend and challenge Verstappen at Red Bull’s home race in Austria. Fans would be hoping to witness yet another thrilling contest in the next round of the season.
In case you missed it:
- WATCH: Carlos Sainz shoots Ferrari merch into grandstand named after him at his home race in Barcelona
- WATCH: “He ran me off” – Carlos Sainz vents on team radio after making contact with Lewis Hamilton during Spanish GP
Armaan Agarwal
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