Norris takes cheeky swipe at Palmer after Dutch GP qualifying

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Lando Norris delivered a playful jab at F1 TV presenter Jolyon Palmer during post-qualifying interviews at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix, poking fun at the former driver’s recent comments about Norris’ “luck” in the championship.

The McLaren star, who had been the pacesetter across all three practice sessions, was narrowly denied pole by teammate Oscar Piastri, missing out by just 0.012s.

But while disappointed, Norris still found time to make light of Palmer’s recent suggestion that his strong 2025 campaign has been down, in part, to “luck.”

Facing Palmer directly in parc fermé after qualifying, Norris delivered a tongue-in-cheek line that raised more than a few smiles.

“With the wind like this, a lot of it is down to luck as well – even with all the luck I have been having,” he said with a grin, referencing Palmer’s earlier comments.

Norris then explained how fine the margins had been in Q3.

“So, it’s tough. I had a good lap, like Q1. [In Q3], it was a small headwind down the straight and I lost like one hundredth. You can easily say it’s there.”

The exchange capped off a weekend of back-and-forth between the pair, with Norris having already defended his results on Friday by pointing to his growth as a driver rather than fortune.

Close but not quite pole

Despite narrowly missing out on his fifth pole of the year, Norris admitted he was only mildly frustrated with P2.

“Yes and no. It’s been close,” he said. “It’s been close the whole weekend, so easily it could go one way or the other,” he said.

“I guess a little bit disappointed I’m not on pole. It’s close but still some decent laps. So not the end of the world either.”

The result puts Norris in strong contention for Sunday, where he’ll aim to repeat last year’s heroics at Zandvoort.

Eyes on Sunday battle

Twelve months ago, Norris started on pole at Zandvoort but slipped behind Max Verstappen at the launch before quickly regaining the lead and storming to victory by over 20 seconds.

Asked about his chances this time, the Brit said a lot will hinge on the getaway and the weather.

“We [Piastri and I] both had terrible starts last year,” Norris recalled.

“I don’t think the inside [line] is a lot better. It’s a long race. It’s a lot of laps, and we will see what the weather holds for us too.”

With just 0.012s separating the two McLaren drivers in qualifying, Sunday’s race looks set to be another nail-biting duel — and one where Norris will be keen to prove, once again, that his results come down to skill, not luck.

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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.