Lando Norris was surprised after claiming pole position for Formula 1’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix Sprint race, delivering what he branded “one of the worst laps” he’s ever done.
The Briton was made to bemoan McLaren being caught flatfooted by the changeable conditions late in Friday’s qualifying hour that thwarted his hopes of top spot.
However, Norris remained competitive throughout Saturday’s Sprint Shootout session, nailing his only attempt in the final segment to beat Max Verstappen by 0.061s.
But Norris concedes that he was stunned his effort ended up being good enough to land him the second pole of his F1 career.
“Honestly, it felt like one of the worst laps I’ve done,” he remarked. “So I’m a little bit surprised, but it’s a good surprise. I feel like we made up for yesterday. So yeah, good. My first pole in a long time, so I’m happy.”
Expanding on why he had been critical of his own benchmark time, Norris explained that he rued failing to execute a clean run through the opening sequence of corners.
“I just messed up Turn 1,” the McLaren ace revealed. “I think that was the only real thing, the rest of it didn’t feel amazing but not bad.
“Turn 1 and Turn 2 have been my nemesis corners all weekend. And I probably did my worst Turn 1 and Turn 2 today in Q3.”
(L to R): Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren and Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing in Sprint Shootout parc ferme. 04.11.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 21, Brazilian Grand Prix, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sprint Day.
Norris is aiming to replicate the exploits displayed by team-mate Oscar Piastri in Qatar by converting pole into the Sprint victory at the end of 24 laps later today.
However, the 23-year-old is adamant that the Red Bulls, led by Max Verstappen ahead of Sergio Perez, will provide a tough test.
“The pace has been good all weekend and the car has been very strong, so we’re on the right track,” he said. “But it’s a tough one.
“The Red Bulls are always quick. Max is always quick. So it’s not going to be an easy race, but the pace is strong. So if we want to have any chance, I’ll give it my all.”
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