F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Norris looking forward to summer 'reset' after tough Spa race

Lando Norris admitted to a sense of disappointment after finishing sixth in Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix, a race in which he had been considered a strong contender for victory.

Starting from fourth on the grid at Spa-Francorchamps, the McLaren driver had high hopes of sealing a second career win in F1, especially given Max Verstappen’s 10-place grid penalty.

However, a crucial error at the start when he understeered on the exit of La Source, saw the Briton drop several positions at the outset which significantly impacted his race.

“Yeah, I just misjudged it, honestly,” Norris explained after the race in which his teammate Oscar Piastri claimed the final spot on the podium.

“I just didn’t want to get taken out in Turn 1, so I left the gap and just misjudged the exit a little bit.”

The setback compelled McLaren’s strategists to extend Norris’ opening stint on the medium tyre.

However, an unexpected overall lack of tyre degradation among his rivals led to an equally surprising scarcity of overtaking opportunities.

Norris had advanced to second before his switch to the hard rubber and managed to stabilize his position among the top six thereafter, but progress was hard to come by despite his car’s strong pace.

“Just impossible to overtake,” commented the Briton. “The overtaking sucked today. I think there was very few overtakes actually done on track. Most of it was just in the pit stops.

“There were some overtakes, but only when you had a 10-lap tyre advantage.

“Otherwise, yeah, a bit of a tough race with the overtaking. I felt like we were quick, the car was quick. I just don’t feel like we maximised what we could have done.”

With the summer break approaching, Norris will have a chance to reset and recharge before the second half of the season.

The missed opportunity in Belgium will undoubtedly serve as extra motivation for the young Briton who admitted wasting several opportunities to convert McLaren’s strong pace into race wins.

“We all need it, but I think I just need it to reset,” Norris admitted.

“I’ve given away a lot of points over the last three or four races, just because of stupid stuff. Mistakes and bad starts. Turn 1 now.

“I don’t know why, it’s just silly things, it’s not even difficult stuff.

“It’s just Turn 1, trying to stay out of trouble, trying to make sure there’s a gap and not get hit. And then I put myself off the track. Just some stupid things.

“The pace was good, the team were doing an amazing job, so I’m happy. In a way, I feel like I just don’t want to take a break, I just want to continue because we’re in good form.

“Even today, I felt like the pace was very strong. The last 2 or 3 races, I’ve just not clicked as much as I needed to.

“I’ve given up a lot of points, so hopefully I can come back stronger.”

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

36 mins ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

2 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

3 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

5 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

7 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

8 hours ago