Lando Norris claims that the exceptional performances of Max Verstappen hurt him as he clocked almost 2 seconds better time than him.
Max Verstappen is an exceptional talent and is having his best times with Red Bull. The Dutchman is dominating his way to the championship and could have his 10th win of the season.
On Saturday, in front of his home crowd, Verstappen took yet another pole. Though the drivers following him didn’t have much difference against him, it surely gives the Red Bull star an advantage ahead of Sunday.
But Lando Norris is in awe of Verstappen after Saturday’s performance. So much that he almost envies him, as Norris remarks how Verstappen clocked almost two seconds better time than him.
“He said he had only driven one lap and he was six tenths clear,” the driver told the Dutch medium. “And I had done my best and was still 1.9 seconds behind him. That hurt inside.”
Meanwhile, Norris finished P7 in qualifying. The Briton race driver made the most out of his resources at McLaren this week so far, but a podium finish seems unlikely.
Also read: George Russell aims to steal points from Ferrari and Red Bull on Sunday
Lando Norris claims he has to find the right balance with MCL36
The current McLaren car is a tough car to drive. Norris concedes this point and mentions that he and Daniel Ricciardo have to drive in a ‘special way’ and have to find the right balance in every corner.
Final push, @LandoNorris! You’ve got this! 👊#DutchGP 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/65sX3fe2vl
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) September 3, 2022
“It’s the driving style. We have to drive in a very special way. Not all the time, but it varies from corner to corner. You really have to make an effort to find the right balance in every corner,” said Norris, who will have Oscar Piastri as a teammate next season.
The Briton has a new Australian teammate
After winning the trial against Alpine, Mclaren has safeguarded the services of Oscar Piastri. the Australian will be replacing his compatriot Ricciardo in the Woking-based team.
So far, Norris has remained stoic over his teammate for the last two years, leaving the sport. Though, he admitted that he had helped the 33-year-old in his whole capacity to find solutions for his struggles.
Meanwhile, he welcomed Piastri on Twitter after his announcement and admitted during the Dutch Grand Prix that he looks forward to working with somebody new.
Also read: Daniel Ricciardo was ‘not aware’ about McLaren signing Oscar Piastri back in July
