SUMMARY
- Lando Norris exceeds expectations with a stellar P4 qualifying position at the Australian Grand Prix.
- McLaren's improvement linked to Melbourne track layout, providing an edge over rivals, as noted by Norris.
According to Lando Norris, he was not expecting fireworks from his McLaren heading into qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix. Practice sessions might have painted a picture of a midfield battle for the Briton, but come qualifying, Norris managed to find a hidden reserve of speed in the car. This unexpected surge in performance propelled him to a very respectable P4 on the starting grid.
During the FP1 session, Norris came off as victorious by taking pole ahead of Max Verstappen and George Russell. However, as the day progressed, he lost his touch and Charles Leclerc replaced his pole spot in FP2 as well as FP3. The Woking-based team intended to replicate the performance they showcased in the latter part of 2023. Nonetheless, the results of the initial race at Melbourne were a good morale boost for the driver.
Lando Norris credits Melbourne track for McLaren’s performance
Norris and his teammate Oscar Piastri secured fourth and sixth positions in qualifying, respectively. Nevertheless, as a result of Sergio Perez’s three-place grid penalty, they will both move up one slot. After the qualifying session had concluded, the 24-year-old driver engaged in a conversation with Sky Sports F1 where he exuded a sense of satisfaction from the race outcome.
QUALIFYING CLASSIFICATION
A superb effort from Carlos Sainz in his comeback weekend following surgery#F1 #AusGP pic.twitter.com/w0h0rfpjxR
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 23, 2024
According to Lando Norris, “We’ve improved in a couple of small areas and maximized ourselves, but it’s just a slightly different circuit layout that potentially played into our favor. Nothing more than that. I’m sure if we went back to Saudi Arabia we’re not going to really do any differently to what we did. It’s a different track layout, different tarmac, just different weekend.”
The British-Belgian driver went on to add, “It’s clear from today that we’ve been a little bit ahead of our main competitors.” Lando Norris emphasized how Albert Park’s circuit design had a significant impact. In contrast to other tracks, McLaren faced fewer challenges for its slower peak speed and issues in slower turns. Additionally, the narrow DRS zones in this circuit also played a role in improved results.
Oscar Piastri contradicts Norris on Australian GP performance
While Norris showcased a sense of optimism for the team’s better showing, the Aussie is not yet satisfied. The drivers of the papaya team had differing opinions on their Melbourne qualifying performances. Oscar Piastri felt a blend of emotions regarding his home race result. While the rookie lagged behind his teammate, Perez’s penalty turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Oscar Piastri:
“I just didn’t make it happen in Q3 – a couple of messy laps!”“But we aren’t massively out of position. Our race pace looked good yesterday, so we’ll try use that”
“If we finish where start, that would be a decent result!”#F1 #AustralianGP
— Kunal Shah (@kunalashah) March 23, 2024
However, as per Piastri, “Q1 and Q2 looked really strong, and then in Q3 I just didn’t make it happen. A couple of messy laps, which is a bit frustrating, but I don’t think we’re massively out of position. A bit frustrated with my own performance.” The 22-year-old driver stressed his expectations for his home race.
On the other hand, Lando Norris stated, “It’s probably better than I was expecting, honestly,” he said. “For two Ferraris, two Red Bulls, I probably didn’t expect to be ahead of one of them. It was Charles [Leclerc], so probably even more of a surprise. But I’m happy with today.” Regardless of their clashing opinions, Piastri remains uncertain about their competitiveness over the race distance, especially against Red Bull and Ferrari.