McLaren’s Lando Norris has confirmed any chance of victory at the F1 Japanese GP was lost during qualifying.
Lando Norris looked favourite for pole position on Saturday, only for Max Verstappen to snatch it away in the dying seconds.
Given the fast flowing nature of the Suzuka circuit, overtaking the Red Bull proved impossible on race day.
Despite a good start, Norris failed to get close to the Red Bull, opting to preserve his tyres for an attack that never materialised.
Speaking in Parc Ferme after the race, Norris admitted qualifying scuppered his race chances, praising Verstappen’s consistency.
” I guess just lost out yesterday. Max drove a good race today, no mistakes. And the pace was too similar today to do anything more. So, long race, a lot of pushing.”
“So it was a flat out race from start to finish, so tough. But,just not enough today.
“Nothing special that we had that we could get Max on. They were quick and no mistakes, like I said, so he deserved it though.
Lando Norris: Pit-lane incident ‘racing’
The closest Norris got to passing the Red Bull was at pit exit after his stop.
Pitting at the same time as Verstappen, his stop proved marginally faster, and he looked to be in front.
However, he was forced to take to the grass after the gap he drove into disappeared.
When asked about the incident Norris was pragmatic about the incident that threatened to end his race.
“It’s racing, I think. I mean, he was still ahead. He kind of squeezes into one and Max is the last guy I expect to give me any space, you know.
“So, in a good way and in a racing way, so nothing more than that.
Despite the disappointment, Norris still took the positives away from Suzuka, even with Verstappen reducing his driver’s title lead reduced to a single point.
“I think it’s still been a very good weekend. Obviously, we didn’t get the positions that we wanted. And, you know, we were fighting for a win every weekend. But they deserved it.
“Both Red Bull and Max deserved it this weekend. And they’re quick. They’ve been catching up.
“They’ve obviously made some improvements. And as a team, we didn’t have enough this weekend. So we have to work harder for the next one.
