Lando Norris admits Max Verstappen would’ve ‘lapped’ him if he had started from the front at Brazilian GP
Lando Norris reckoned that McLaren simply didn't have the pace to match Max Verstappen's incredible Brazilian GP performance.
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Max Verstappen and Lando Norris (via Planetf1)
Lando Norris lost out heavily in the title fight at the Brazilian GP. The British driver had a difficult race while his arch-rival Max Verstappen won the Grand Prix despite starting P17. Norris has now admitted that Verstappen was simply too quick for McLaren in the race.
Max Verstappen was eliminated in Q2 over a red flag. The Dutch driver started the race from P17 but managed to make up seven positions within two laps. Ultimately, the reigning world champion’s incredible pace allowed him to win the race by a gap of 19 seconds to second-placed Esteban Ocon.
Lando Norris acknowledged that McLaren did not have the pace to fight Verstappen. So much so, the 24-year-old claimed that the Dutch driver would’ve lapped him in the race if he had started from the front of the grid. Norris reckoned that the Woking-based team was on par with George Russell, but Red Bull simply had an advantage. Previously, the Briton had claimed that Verstappen did not deserve to win the race.
We weren’t quick enough. Max was easily quicker than us so I think if he [started] from the front, he probably would have lapped us. The pace was, I think, similar to George [Russell], but the Red Bull was way faster.
Lando Norris said, as reported by The Race
Lando Norris takes blame for making mistakes in Sao Paulo
Norris was right behind George Russell after the red flag. The McLaren driver could’ve managed to battle the two Alpines of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly for a podium spot. However, the 24-year-old ran wide and lost several positions. This ended all chances of a decent result for the Briton. Lando Norris admitted that his mistakes cost him a couple of positions in what had been an unlucky race.
Just unlucky for us. Nothing more than that. I made a couple of mistakes which cost me a couple of positions in the end.
Lando Norris noted
The McLaren driver will now be feeling the pressure as he trails Max Verstappen by 62 points. With just three races to go, it seems that Lando Norris might need a miracle to stay in contention for a maiden F1 title at the Las Vegas GP.
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Armaan Agarwal
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