Lando Norris, visibly frustrated, confessed to lacking speed after an unexpected sixth-place finish in the Bahrain Grand Prix qualifying. His McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, in contrast, achieved pole position.
McLaren, who had shown impressive speed throughout practice sessions at Sakhir, were expected to dominate the front row for Sunday`s race.
However, as qualifying progressed and track conditions cooled, their advantage diminished. While Piastri maintained strong performance and secured pole, Norris ended up four-tenths of a second slower, placing him on the third row.
“I didn`t even improve by a tenth on my second lap in Q3,” Norris told reporters, expressing his disappointment.
“I’m simply not fast enough.”
He further added, “I`ve been off the pace. I feel like I`ve forgotten how to drive a Formula 1 car. I`m struggling significantly, and I`m unsure why. I need to find some solutions.”
Norris, keeping his post-qualifying interview responses brief due to evident disappointment, indicated his own performance as the reason for the session`s setback.
He reiterated, “No idea. Honestly, no idea. Just not quick enough.”
Despite starting behind, championship leader Norris is still expected to contend in the race, with drivers like Charles Leclerc, George Russell, Pierre Gasly, and Kimi Antonelli positioned between him and Piastri.
Max Verstappen, trailing Norris by a single point, will start seventh, just behind Norris, in what appears to be a challenging weekend for Red Bull.
When questioned about his prospects for Sunday from sixth position, Norris stated, “It’s just another day. I`ll analyze things, understand why I struggled today, and try again tomorrow.”
When asked about his preparation for the Grand Prix, Norris simply replied, “Nothing. Go to sleep.”
Piastri and McLaren Anticipate Norris`s Race Comeback
If Sunday`s race concluded in the starting order, Piastri would overtake Norris in the Drivers` Championship standings for the first time this season.
However, McLaren`s anticipated superior race pace on a track known for overtaking opportunities and multiple pit stops is expected to allow Norris to climb through the field. His teammate certainly believes in his recovery.
“It’s going to be close throughout the field,” Piastri commented. “I’m definitely expecting Lando to move forward.”
Zak Brown, McLaren`s CEO, shared a similarly optimistic outlook for his underperforming driver.
“Tomorrow is a new day,” Brown said.
“He has a fantastic race car, he’s an exceptional driver, and he’s leading the championship. It’s a fresh start, a good night’s rest will help. He just lost a bit in the first sector, highlighting Formula 1`s competitiveness.”
“Overtaking is possible here, so we need a strong start. We anticipate a couple of pit stops, potential Safety Cars, and strategic plays to assist him. He has a fast car at his disposal.”
