The Chinese GP has returned to the Formula 1 calendar following a hiatus of five years. The first sprint weekend of the season at the Shanghai circuit might create problems for multiple teams. However, the changes to the sprint format helped the teams and drivers relax as it provided more time to get the setup right. Hence, amidst the Sprint race qualifying, Lando Norris clinched the pole position for the sprint race.
Lando Norris had a rollercoaster of a qualifying session where his pole-winning lap was initially deleted. Hence, Lewis Hamilton achieved the pole start for the Sprint race. However, Norris’ lap was reinstated and thus, the 24-year-old will start the race from the pole.
Hence, Norris highlighted that he was extremely happy following the pole finish. Additionally, the Briton pointed towards the tricky conditions and how he was nervous despite the great pace of the MCL38 challenger.
It was. I am extremely happy first of all. It was tricky. I was quite happy with how it was dry, we had good pace, but I was nervous. Lando Norris told during post-session interview.
Norris also mentioned that he kept on catching up with the Ferraris ahead of him throughout the session. The 24-year-old had to abort both of his initial laps and had to go all-in during the last lap. Regardless, the pole finish was a great surprise for the Briton as he is all set to potentially secure his first career sprint win. Apart from this, the ‘challenges’ pointed out by Christian Horner disabled Max Verstappen to showcase a dominant performance in Shanghai.
I kept catching the Ferrari's and the first two laps, I aborted on both so it was all or nothing. A nice surprise, a good position for tomorrow. Lando Norris noted.
Lando Norris admits he got ‘nervous’ because of the tricky conditions in the Sprint Qualifying
Regardless of scoring the pole position, Lando Norris admitted that he got nervous during the session. The rain-laden SQ2 further caused some uncertainties in strategies for the teams. Norris claimed that he risked a lot and pushed himself to score such a start for the sprint.
However, the Briton showcased his discontent over the qualifying session not being an actual session. Hence, the 24-year-old will push further to score a pole position for the Chinese GP potentially.
I got a bit nervous. They were conditions where you have to risk a lot and push. I got a good final lap and it was enough for pole. Sad it's not a proper qualifying but good enough. Lando Norris said, as reported by bbc.com.
Additionally, Norris highlighted that ending up at the top was exactly what McLaren wanted. Hence, the upgrading form of the Woking-based team in the recent races is quite evident. As a result, a pole position was a ‘nice surprise’ for the Briton. The team has the potential to score a race victory at the Chinese GP following the issues with the other teams.
To end up on top is exactly what we wanted and it's a nice surprise. Lando Norris mentioned.
The Chinese GP is off to a great start for McLaren as the team eyes at potentially winning the race. Lando Norris is yet to score his maiden victory in his Formula 1 career. Hence, the Chinese weekend is crucial for the 24-year-old. As things are, the Briton has a great shot at scoring the victory against the highly dominant Red Bulls following the issues faced by them.
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