Norris "didn't quite get the grip out of it in some corners" in qualifying at Silverstone
Having ended up only third on the grid for today's British Grand Prix, McLaren driver Lando Norris conceded he "didn't quite get the grip out of it in some corners" in qualifying at Silverstone.
McLaren looked strong on the opening day at the British Grand prix, and they managed to carry that form over to Saturday. However, the Woking-based team was challenged by the Ferrari duo of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, the Red Bull of Max Verstappen and Mercedes driver George Russell also joined tha party in the final segment of qualifying.
Both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris were nip and tuck through Q1 and Q2, with Piastri grabbing provisional pole from his team mate in Q3. But the Australian couldn’t improve on his last flying run, and Norris’ scrappy lap was not enough to beat his team mate.
The papaya team looked to have locked out the front row bar for a last gasp flier from reigning champion Max Verstappen, who managed to get the better of both McLarens with a brilliant late effort.
Asked to comment on his qualifying, Norris stated: "Reasonably smooth. As smooth as I could probably ask for. Most of my laps were all pretty decent.
"Q1 was the only little nervous one just with how close it was from the front to last really. Otherwise, all good. Most laps always improved and found good lap time.
"Probably just my final one, would have hoped to find just that little bit more. Just didn't quite get the grip out of it in some corners, and the right balance, but I'm still happy with the third."
With Pirelli having gone one step softer with the tyres this year, Norris thinks that it could be a factor should the race take place in dry conditions.
"Certainly it can be a factor. It was very warm yesterday comparing to today and then comparing to what it's going to be tomorrow. There's also some rain expected for tomorrow, so let's wait and see.
"I think it could still be a difference in strategies. Like Oscar said, every car gets lap time quite differently. We probably seem a little bit more in the middle of both a Red Bull and a Ferrari, but I think it can easily make a lot of opportunity come everyone's way tomorrow. So probably expecting a tough, but an exciting race."
Signing off with a word for his expectations for today's race, Norris said: "I think it's going to be fun tomorrow. I think it's going to be a good battle between the three of us," he said.
"Probably more with Lewis [Hamilton] and Charles [Leclerc], George [Russell], as well [in sixth for Mercedes]. It's going to be an interesting Sunday so I'm looking forward to it."
