Norris calls himself out: I’m doing a ‘shit job’ on Saturdays

©McLaren

Lando Norris proved once again that he’s no stranger to self-roasting in the competitive world of F1, the McLaren driver calling himself out in Abu Dhabi for doing “a shit job” in Saturday's qualifying session.

The Brit was poised to challenge Max Verstappen for pole position, but a wild slide through the Yas Marina circuit's hotel complex put paid to his chances.

Norris estimated that his self-inflicted blunder cost him four-tenths, relegating him to the fifth spot on the starting grid for the season finale.

While Charles Leclerc triumphantly secured second place behind Verstappen, Norris was left rueing his missed opportunity, admitting that he only had himself to blame, a sentiment that echoed his recent self-criticism after qualifying in Qatar and in Brazil.

Read also: Leclerc surprised to make it onto front row in Abu Dhabi

"If you just make any mistake in qualifying when you're fighting for a good position, it's frustrating," he said.

"But the thing is, I just make so many mistakes on a Saturday at the minute. Every other lap was some of my best really.

"Q1 and Q2 were some of my best laps, and my first lap in Q3 was very strong. Just one little mistake.

"I don't know why it happened. I've not done it all weekend. So yeah, frustrating because I'm just doing a shit job on Saturday."

When it was suggested to him that he was perhaps too harsh on himself, Norris candidly begged to differ.

"Not at all. I'm fighting for P2, and I end up P5 because of a stupid mistake. So, I'm too soft on myself,” he replied.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.