Despite finishing the Bahrain Grand Prix on the podium, Lando Norris lamented several key mistakes which may have cost him victory.
The British driver struggled throughout much of the weekend around the Bahrain International Circuit. After qualifying his McLaren in a lowly sixth on Saturday, Norris cut a dejected figure, admitted that he felt "clueless" behind the wheel of his MCL39.
Nevertheless he got off to a stellar start in the Grand Prix, gaining three positions through the opening few corners and moving up to third place.
However, the Briton was subsequently handed a five-second time penalty for a false start, as he crept beyond the limits of his grid slot before the five red lights had gone out.
A Messy Race
A few more critical errors followed. He was forced to give fourth place back to the Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton after overtaking the seven-time World Champion off the track at Turn 4.
Norris then locked up his front tyres into the first corner on lap 46 when he attempted to overtake the other Ferrari of Charles Leclerc.
Nevertheless, the 25-year-old had the fastest car on track and eventually got past both Ferraris to finish in third.
Speaking immediately after the Grand Prix, Norris first addressed his unfortunate penalty for a false start, which he served during his first pitstop: "I didn't think I was that far forward. Nothing more than that."
However, the McLaren driver admitted that he made too many mistakes during the race, which was comfortably won by teammate Oscar Piastri. He added: "A tough race. I made too many mistakes with the overtakes, out of position [at the start].
"A messy race from me. Disappointed to not bring home a one-two for McLaren because that would have been lovely at home. A tough one but still a few positives," stated Norris.
Despite the setbacks, Norris continued by saying that he enjoyed battling it out with numerous other drivers on track, even though the final result wasn't what he had hoped for: "It was good racing throughout, so no complaints.
"Good fun, good overtakes. Everyone was hard and on the limit as it should be.
"George did a good job. I thought I would be able to get him. I guess he was probably saving a bit before the end. Oscar did a good job so congrats to him and the whole McLaren team. I will try to step it up next weekend," he concluded.
Norris still holds the Drivers' Championship lead, three points ahead of Piastri and eight ahead of defending Champion Max Verstappen.
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