'Just not my weekend' states Norris after devastating retirement

Lando Norris cut a dejected figure after his retirement at the Dutch Grand Prix, stating that climbing out of his stricken car "hurts".

The Dutch Grand Prix will be one that Norris would like to forget, although there was nothing he could do to prevent the outcome this time round.

Despite setting the timing screens alight on Friday, the Briton couldn't convert that into pole position during Qualifying. That accolade instead went to his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri.

Norris didn't get a good start in the race either, losing out to the Red Bull of Max Verstappen on the opening lap and losing precious seconds to the leader.

What Does This Mean For The Championship?

After a poor first few laps, Norris put his head down and put in numerous fastest laps, closing back within DRS range of Verstappen and passing the Dutchman around the outside of Turn 1 on lap nine.

While the 25-year-old was slowly chipping away at Piastri's lead, he didn't look likely to challenge for the win. He looked set for P2 and 18 points in the Championship until disaster struck on lap 65 of 72.

His MCL39's Mercedes power unit failed, forcing the McLaren driver to park up on the side of the road so close to the chequered flag.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the Grand Prix, Norris expressed disappointment.

He said: "It hurts to lose… it would have been 18, 19 [points], whatever it is for second place to first, so a seven-point deficit. So it would've been smaller.

"The pace is there. I was quick today. I mean, it’s impossible to overtake here, so [with] a good race today all I was really hoping for was to be safe within five seconds for the most part of the race.

"I was happy that I could stay within one-and-a-half, two for the majority. It doesn’t look it, but that’s an impressive race around here from our side with how much dirty air [there is] and you struggle with the tyres and tyre temperatures while following," stated Norris.

• Read Also: Piastri takes crucial win as Norris suffers late retirement

While very upset to leave Zandvoort Circuit with no points, Norris chose to focus on the positives from another show of dominance from McLaren.

He continued: "So it was a positive race, but it didn’t mean anything. I couldn’t get past, Oscar drove a good race, he deserved it today. But it’s just not my weekend.

"I was unlucky yesterday with the fight for pole, unlucky today, but that’s life, I just take it on the chin and move on.

"I was quick today, I thought I could fight for a win. If you’re fighting for a win around here, that’s normally just a good job already.

"So I’ll take the positives, I’ll try to bounce back. I’ve got tough competition, so it’s never going to be easy, but I’ll really make sure I do everything I can," concluded the McLaren driver.

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