In the intense duel for pole between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, it was expected that their respective teammates would at least be able to monopolize the second row. Surprisingly, however, it was Lando Norris who took the third fastest time.
The McLaren driver, protagonist in the last few rounds of dull performances, managed to improve in the last attempt and then stop the clock on the reference of 1’22 ” 931. An extraordinary time trial, especially considering not only the advantage of 16 thousandths over Sergio Perez (now fourth), but also the gap of less than half a second accused by Lewis Hamilton.
Norris was thus able to give McLaren a smile in a season finale in which the Woking team paid dearly for plafonized performances and unfortunate episodes that forced him to drop to fourth in the Constructors.
“I don’t know where I got this lap from” declared an extremely satisfied Lando Norris at the end of qualifying.
The English driver explained that he gave his all on the last attempt, making a clean lap that paid off in the end.
“Already in the first attempt I had improved a lot even if I had made some mistakes, while in the second attempt I made a clean lap. It was a surprising third time ”.
Lando Norris, McLaren MCL35M
Photo by: Charles Coates / Motorsport Images
Norris managed to shine on a Saturday when everyone’s attention was obviously focused on the two main title rivals.
Tomorrow, on the occasion of the last round of the season, Verstappen and Hamilton will start from the front row, while Norris will be the privileged spectator of this duel from the third box.
The Englishman, however, admitted to feeling a minimum of tension because he does not want to carry out maneuvers that could affect the battle for the championship.
“I’m a little nervous because I want to stay out of this fight, see what they do in the first few laps or throughout the race.”
“I don’t want to interfere too much because it could be a source of great controversy. I don’t know whether to attack or not, but I will do my best and if there is a chance I will try to take it ”.
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