Lando Norris, McLaren driver, expressed his disappointment with a mistake he made during his last lap in the qualifying session for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Norris believed that this mistake cost him the opportunity to secure the second position on the starting grid. Despite this setback, McLaren showed their strong performance by placing both cars in the top ten in the season opener, an achievement they had not reached under the current regulations. Norris finished seventh, less than half a second behind Max Verstappen’s pole position time. However, a narrow margin of two tenths separated third from ninth place.
Norris acknowledged the challenges he faced during the qualifying session, attributing some of the difficulties to changes in the wind. He emphasized the importance of consistency and avoiding mistakes during the crucial Q3 session. Despite his disappointment, Norris recognized the potential of the McLaren MCL38 and the positive progress made by the team. He believed that with a flawless lap, he could have secured a front-row starting position. Norris also noted that the lower temperatures in Bahrain contributed to McLaren’s unexpected competitive performance.
Looking ahead, Norris recognized that McLaren may face more challenges in hotter conditions and with a heavier fuel load. He mentioned that during the practice sessions, the team struggled to achieve ideal times. However, as temperatures cooled at night, McLaren’s performance improved. Norris remained positive about the team’s progress and their determination to continue improving.
Norris admits that he is uncertain about McLaren’s speed in race format, but anticipates that the team’s strategy could be crucial as several teams are very close.
“I didn’t have many opportunities to race with a full tank during pre-season testing, so it was a bit challenging for me to understand how it affects the car,” he confessed.
“However, the pace, as Oscar [Piastri] mentioned, was quite decent yesterday, and I believe that translates into our performance with less fuel as well.
“It’s a very tight competition, as you can see, with different teams very close, which is always the most exciting aspect. We know Ferrari will be pushing from the start. We have Mercedes, Aston Martin, and ourselves, so there are several teams vying for good positions.
“What I hope is that we can distance ourselves from the cars behind and establish ourselves as the leaders. However, there are eight cars that are all very close, and I think that will provide an exciting spectacle for everyone watching.
“It will also provide us with the opportunity to experiment with different strategies, as long as the pack doesn’t spread out too much. So, I believe it will be an exciting race.”
When asked about what would be considered a successful result for McLaren, Norris replied, “Second place! I can’t really give a definitive answer. I don’t know.
“The long runs yesterday showed that it’s very close between all the teams. Mercedes, us, Aston Martin, Ferrari – if you looked at Max, he was the only one who seemed a little ahead without even trying too hard. The rest of us were registering similar lap times, more or less. So, we can’t accurately predict what will happen.
“The smaller factors, unrelated to driving, can make a significant difference tomorrow. So, overall, it’s a tight competition. We’ll have to figure it out.”
© 2024
Today’s Formula 1 race was filled with emotions and twists. Brazilian driver Lucas Silva showcased his skill and determination by clinching the first position on the podium. With an intelligent strategy and impeccable driving, he managed to overtake his competitors and secure the victory.
The race started with a chaotic start, with several cars colliding and going off track. However, Lucas Silva managed to escape unscathed and gain a few positions. He took advantage of the confusion to position himself at the front of the pack and take the lead.
During the race, the Brazilian driver faced various challenges. There were moments of heavy rain, which made the track slippery and dangerous. However, Lucas Silva demonstrated his ability to drive in adverse conditions and managed to maintain the lead.
In addition, he had to deal with the pressure from his competitors, who were determined to overtake him. However, Lucas Silva remained focused and did not make any mistakes. He defended his position masterfully and crossed the finish line in first place.
This victory is a historic achievement for Brazilian motorsport. Lucas Silva becomes the first Brazilian driver to win a Formula 1 race in over a decade. His exceptional performance and determination are an example for all young drivers who dream of reaching Formula 1.
The next race of the Formula 1 World Championship will be held in two weeks. Lucas Silva is confident that he can maintain his good performance and seek more victories. The Brazilian fans are excited about today’s result and look forward to seeing their favorite driver on the top of the podium again.
