Andrea Stella: Lando Norris Overreaches in F1 Canadian GP Qualifying Disaster
McLaren’s team principal, Andrea Stella, didn’t mince words when assessing Lando Norris’ performance in the Canadian Grand Prix qualifying session. Stella pointed out that Norris was “trying too hard,” resulting in a messy lap that relegated him to a disappointing seventh-place start in Montreal.
Despite a strong showing in FP3 where Norris topped the timesheets, his qualifying session fell short as he failed to string together a competitive lap. Stella attributed Norris’ struggles to pushing the limits too far, leading to crucial mistakes that cost him a higher grid position.
Stella acknowledged Norris’ progress in getting comfortable with the car this season but emphasized that overstepping the boundaries in qualifying can have severe consequences. The team principal highlighted Norris’ competitiveness throughout the weekend but indicated that pushing too hard in qualifying compromised his performance.
While Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri opted out of using McLaren’s front suspension upgrade for the race, Norris stuck with the update. Stella mentioned that the changes were aimed at providing the drivers with better feedback at the front end, addressing Norris’ concerns about maximizing the car’s potential.
Looking ahead, Stella remains optimistic about Norris’ prospects, stating that with a more controlled approach, Norris could have been fighting for pole position. Despite the setback in Canada, Stella reassured that there is no cause for major concern and that the team is focused on maintaining a competitive edge in the fiercely contested Formula 1 championship.
As the F1 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Norris to see if he can channel his undeniable speed and talent into consistent top performances on the track. Stay tuned for more updates as the McLaren team navigates the highs and lows of elite motorsport competition.