Lando Norris asserts Red Bull ‘didn’t show their cards’ before Qualifying as Max Verstappen took pole at Belgian GP

Lando Norris hinted that Max Verstappen and Red Bull managed to hide their true pace throughout the practice sessions at Belgian GP.

Lando Norris asserts Red Bull ‘didn’t show their cards’ before Qualifying as Max Verstappen took pole at Belgian GP

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (Via IMAGO)

Lando Norris and McLaren have had a decent run in 2024. The Woking-based squad has emerged as a real contender to Max Verstappen. However, things took a turn at the Belgian GP as Verstappen clinched pole position with ease.

Norris finished the session in fifth place behind Lewis Hamilton. However, the McLaren driver would move up one place due to Verstappen’s ten-place grid penalty. Lando Norris claimed that he was quite happy with his performance, stating that the Woking-based team had good pace. Although, this was not enough as the British team was barely in contention for pole position.

I'm actually pretty happy. The last race it was quickest. I think we were good.
Lando Norris said post-Qualifying
YouTube video

The British driver highlighted that Verstappen and Red Bull were the quickest throughout the weekend. However, Lando Norris claimed that the reigning world champions tried to hide their cards from their rivals before Qualifying. As such, Max Verstappen surprised the paddock with his impressive lap time.

FS Video
All weekend Red Bull were quickest and didn't show there cards.
Lando Norris stated
RELATED
Lewis Hamilton shares special message to Great Britain for Paris 2024 Olympics on Instagram
Lewis Hamilton

Lando Norris admits P5 not the ‘result he wanted’

Despite expressing satisfaction with his performance, Lando Norris confessed that he did not aim to finish fifth in the session. McLaren have arguably been the fastest team in recent races with both Norris and Oscar Piastri winning a race each this season. However, it seems that the British team has some work to do in the Grand Prix.

From my side, I wasn't able to click and one step behind. It wasn't the result I wanted.
Lando Norris asserted
Lando Norris
Lando Norris (via IMAGO)

The Briton pointed out that he could face a challenge in the race as he would need to overtake the likes of Sergio Perez at the front. Nevertheless, Lando Norris hoped that the lower downforce set up of the MCL38 would became an advantage on Sunday.

I still have to overtake quick cars like Sergio tomorrow. But hopefully the lower downforce pays off for us tomorrow.
Lando Norris said

Certainly, Lando Norris would be looking to fight for victory at the Belgian GP. The British driver seems to lack one-lap pace compared to Red Bull. However, McLaren has made its best on a better race set-up which could turn the tide on Sunday. Fans would be hoping to see Norris make up places at the start of the race.

In case you missed it: