Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris (McLaren/6th): “We deserve that”

At the start of qualifying at the Red Bull Ring, McLaren appeared to be holding their own amongst the big names: Norris was second fastest in the first qualifying segment, then third fastest in the second, whilst Oscar Piastri was in second place behind Kimi Antonelli at that stage.

But in the final battle among the top ten, Papaya faded: Norris was down to P6, Piastri to P7. What happened?

Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris doesn’t beat about the bush: “We deserved that. We’re where we belong.”

“I reckon everyone expected more from us – even we probably expected more ourselves. But you could see how close it was.”

“I thought my lap felt pretty good. On a day like this, you need a pretty crazy lap to maybe make up a few places, but days like that don’t come around often, and it’s difficult to get the full potential out of our car.”

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“So, once again, we’ll have to be content with being so close to the front. You just hope that some of the drivers ahead of you don’t put in a perfect lap and make a mistake. But that wasn’t the case this time. So we’re exactly where we belong. It’s as simple as that.”

What will happen at the Austrian Grand Prix, which Norris won in 2025? Lando: “It’s likely to be incredibly hot, and tyre wear will be a decisive factor, much like in Barcelona. With a clever strategy and flawless pit stops, anything can happen. If we get that right and make the most of every opportunity that comes our way, we’ll be in a position to secure a podium finish.”