McLaren driver Lando Norris secured fifth position on the starting grid for the Formula 1 Japanese GP, after a complicated weekend in Suzuka so far. The current champion of the category highlighted the problems faced throughout the sessions, but considered the result positive given the circumstances.
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Norris stated that the team had difficulties and little track time, which compromised his preparation for the qualifying session and, especially, for the race. Still, he valued the car’s performance and the work done by the team: “I have to be happy with P5. Considering the number of problems we had throughout the weekend and the laps we lost, it’s a good result,” he said.
The Briton also praised the team’s effort to overcome the difficulties: “It’s a credit to the team for the car’s pace and the hard work to resolve the various problems we had. It’s been a difficult weekend so far, always playing catch-up and without being able to get into a comfortable rhythm.”
Despite this, Norris highlighted an evolution compared to the competitors: “We definitely took a step forward and we look closer to our rivals here, which is a positive sign,” he stated. Even with the improvement, Norris recognized that the lack of track time brought consequences: “The lack of laps certainly hurt my preparation,” he stated.
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This factor increases the uncertainty for Sunday’s race: “I’m going into the race at a disadvantage. Without laps with a full tank, it’s hard to know how the car will behave or how to manage tires and battery throughout the race,” explained Norris, demonstrating caution.
Even with the doubts, he believes in the car’s potential: “I’m not as confident as I’d like, but the car is fast, and Oscar (Piastri) did a great job by taking P3, which shows what is possible,” added.
Norris also revealed that he will continue working before the race to reduce uncertainties: “I’m going to study tonight to learn as much as possible, but a lot of it will be learning during the race. It’s not ideal, but we are in a good position to fight,” the British driver concluded.
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