Heartbroken Lando Norris confesses he ‘let McLaren down’ over Qatar GP penalty
Lando Norris was disappointed to lose out on a podium finish at Qatar GP after being handed a stop and go penalty.
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Lando Norris (via imago)
Lando Norris and McLaren headed into the Qatar GP with the possibility of winning the 2024 Constructors’ title. However, the British driver was forced down the order in the race due to a late penalty. Now, Norris has apologized to his team for not getting a good result in Lusail.
The 25-year-old was in contention for race victory against Max Verstappen for the majority of the race. Unfortunately, Lando Norris received a 10-second stop and go penalty in the final stages of the Grand Prix. Subsequently, Norris dropped down to last place before recovering to tenth by the final lap.
Lando Norris was far from happy after the race. The Briton asserted that the team had provided him a quick car this weekend. However, Norris blamed himself for disappointing McLaren and letting them down by not getting the desired result.
The team gave me a great car. I’m disappointed that I didn’t give them the results they deserve. I let them down.
Lando Norris said post-race
Lando Norris: The team gave me a great car. I'm disappointed that I didn't give them the results they deserve. I let them down.
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) December 1, 2024
McLaren admits Lando Norris’ penalty affected the race
Norris was handed the late penalty for not slowing down under yellow flags on the main straight. McLaren team boss Andrea Stella confessed that Norris’ race was deeply impacted by the penalty. Nevertheless, the Briton managed to bring in two crucial points for the team. Stella highlighted the 25-year-old managed to salvage these points when it seemed he would score none this weekend.
The penalty affected the race. We come out with 2 points on Lando’s side when it could have been a penalty.
Andrea Stella said post-race
Andrea Stella: Well, the race itself was unfolding in a very strong way. After the stop we knew the hard was a good tyre for our car. The penalty affected the race. We come out with 2 points on Lando's side when it could have been a penalty.
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) December 1, 2024
The 25-year-old’s tenth place finish takes the title battle till the season finale in Abu Dhabi next weekend. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will need to ensure that they don’t get in trouble in the final race for McLaren to finally win the title. As Ferrari trails behind the British team by just 21 points.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2357 Articles Published)