Lando Norris apologised over the team radio for not driving flawlessly in his final lap during qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix on Saturday.
The Briton has enjoyed a stunning season so far, winning races in Miami and the Netherlands to emerge as a genuine contender for the F1 title.
And Norris was quicker than the rest during qualifying for the next Grand Prix in Italy, with the 24-year-old beating team-mare Oscar Piastri to secure pole.
In the immediate aftermath of the session, Norris apologised for his performance on the final lap. But he was delighted to learn that it was enough to ensure he starts at the top of the grid for tomorrow’s big race in Monza.
Lando Norris apologised over the team radio for not driving flawlessly in his final lap during qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix on Saturday
REUTERS
Speaking to Sky Sports, Norris said it was an ‘amazing’ feeling to know he’ll be on pole tomorrow.
“Another pole is amazing. To have first and second when the field has been so tight is surprising,” he said.
“It hurts me to say it but my lap wasn’t great but I am very, very happy.
“I am not expecting an easy race – there are some unknown things with the tyres and degradation – but I am looking forward to it.”
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Piastri, meanwhile, was frustrated after being forced to settle for second.
“It was not quite enough, which I feel I have said a lot this year, but it was a really good team effort,” he said.
“There was no guarantee of a front-row lock-out so it was an amazing job to pull it off.
“Starting second is not always the worst thing so let’s see what the tyres do. With such a tight field, it will be exciting.”
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Mercedes star George Russell qualified third for the Italian GP.
And the Silver Arrows star was pleased at how the session unfolded, saying: “It was great.
“Ending up P3, a little bit better than I expected because it was a really tough session, Q1 and Q2. Fortunately we saved it until the end. Not too far behind the McLarens.
“They’re so fast at the moment. We’re working so hard to catch them up, but I’m super happy with third.”
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Lando Norris was quick as the McLaren star clinched pole for Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix
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On his chances of winning the main event in Monza, he continued: “I think it’s going to be a tight battle.
“Everybody’s so close out there. It’s so exciting for F1.
Oscar Piastri was disappointed to not beat team-mate Lando Norris during qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix
REUTERS
“We’ve all been waiting for this competition and knowing if you do a great job, you’ve got a chance of victory. So, I’m pretty pumped for tomorrow.
“I’ll get some pizza tonight to fuel me up and a bit of extra weight, so I’m not too light tomorrow, and hopefully we can fight for a good result.”