Lando Norris before the Austrian Grand Prix: « I’m excited, I can’t wait »

Max Verstappen’s heir to the world championship, Lando Norris has taken on a whole new dimension in recent weeks. McLaren as well: the team now has the second most performing car on the grid… even possibly the first. It’s an impression that is growing from race to race in the paddock.

Max was in his own world.

Lando Norris has been in the mix since the beginning of the weekend. Initially 2nd in the Sprint qualifying, he was on the verge of taking the lead of the race against Max Verstappen. Ultimately finishing 3rd behind Oscar Piastri, he still had a quicker pace than his teammate. He will start 2nd in the Grand Prix: all hopes are allowed… even if the reigning world champion was impressive in qualifying. Lando Norris was aware of this after the session:

« It was a good qualifying session. We gave it our all today. Max was in his own world, much faster than our potential, so I am happy. It was difficult conditions, a bit harder than yesterday. It was much tighter, so more complicated to do laps and perfect them, but it was pretty good, and I gladly take this result.

“We are better in races than in qualifiers”

Even if the Dutchman left no hope in qualifying, it will surely not be the same story in the race. Red Bull often struggles more on long stints, the strong point of McLaren. Lando Norris eases a bit of pressure but remains aware of having a real card to play:

« When we look at the pace we had today, it’s clear that we will have to give our best tomorrow. We will need some extra help to beat Max’s pace and the Red Bulls. I will try. I will have a better race than the Sprint this morning. I am excited. I can’t wait to be there. And it’s a long race tomorrow. Many things can happen. And usually, we are better in the race than in qualifying. So let’s see.