As Formula 1 action returns to Spain for the second time this year for the historic debut of the Spanish Grand Prix in Madring, Lando Norris gave the motorsport world a familiar sight as the reigning world champion will once again sit in front row to start the race.
After edging current points leader Kimi Antonelli by a mere 0.011 seconds in qualifying on Saturday, the McLaren racer seized his third pole position this year and is in prime position for a massive points haul for Team Papaya.
The British driver was in pure disbelief after outlasting Antonelli in Q3, and called his performance “one of his best laps ever.”
“I’m shocked… I’m a little bit surprised to be here now, but my god it was probably one of the best laps I’ve done ever in my career. Very, very happy, very proud, very happy for the team,” Norris said post qualifying.
Lando Norris Admits to Jitters Racing in New Track
Despite racking P1, Norris admitted to having high tension in the latter moments of qualifying, underscoring the sharp turns in various areas of the new track.
“It’s easy to get tense around here, and there are a lot of walls that come at you pretty quickly,” Norris said.
“I just wasn’t doing what I wanted… I wasn’t quite relaxed, and on the last lap just took a good breath and everything kind of came together,” he added.
Norris’ pole-seizing performance now gives him and his squad a good chance to trim a massive deficit in the constructors standings, where they currently sit in third place and hold a 59-point gap to Ferrari.
The 26-year-old racer refuses to underestimate the new track despite his results, but remains ecstatic to headline the opening lap.
“I’m excited… The first race here in Madrid, it’s been a pleasure so far. A lot of things can happen. It’s a long race, a difficult track, so looking forward to the whole thing,” Norris said.
Lando Norris and McLaren will look to emerge victorious in Madring on Sunday, September 13.
