Norris admits overhauling Verstappen in Italian GP ‘a big challenge’

Lando Norris believes he has put himself in a strong position to fight for glory in Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix after qualifying second at Monza – but concedes that overcoming pole-sitter Max Verstappen will be no easy feat.

The McLaren driver missed out on pole by just 0.077 seconds as Verstappen snatched top spot with a record-breaking lap at the Temple of Speed.

Oscar Piastri, Norris’s team-mate and the championship leader, rounded out the top three in another demonstration of McLaren’s strength this season.

Reflecting on his qualifying session, Norris admitted it had been a scrappy ride before delivering a strong final lap

"Max has been quicker this weekend, and it's never a surprise with Max,” he explained.

“It was quite a session for me, just up and down and too many mistakes here and there, but to pull it all together on the last lap was... I was pretty happy. I'm happy with P2.

"I always give my result depending on how I drove today. So I feel like I didn't do the best of jobs, but to end up P2, I was so happy with.

“So let's say good things and bad things. P2 is still not a bad position to be off the line. And I mean, I want to be ahead of everyone, that includes my championship contenders and Oscar. It's a good position for tomorrow, and I'm excited for the race."

Eyes on Verstappen – and Ferrari threat

While Norris welcomed his spot on the front row, he admitted Verstappen’s raw pace means McLaren faces a tall order to seize control at Monza.

"Our race on Sunday is normally our strength. But to get past Max, I'm sure it's going to be a big challenge, but we'll see,” he said.

“Their pace was also very strong. If you see the end of the stint, they're doing the same lap times as us.

“So, I don't expect any magical things, and we have some Ferraris behind. I'm sure we're going to want to come through as quickly as possible."

The Briton, who has already tasted multiple wins this year, knows Monza often produces unpredictable drama and is keeping his options open.

"So it's a long race. Many things can happen, and we'll see what we can do."

Piastri "Pretty Confient"

Launching his race on Sunday from the inside of the second row, Piastri admitted that his final flyer in Q3 unfolded with no “major” issues.

“I built up to it a little bit at the start and found my feet,” he said. “It’s been incredibly tight this weekend. Max and Red Bull looked quick this weekend. I mean to be honest, a lot of teams looked quick.

“It’s not been quite as comfortable for us. The results is not a big surprise but obviously, I would have loved to be a little bit further up.”

However, the Aussie is still confident of a strong display on raceday.

“I don’t think it looked too bad from where I was. It’s been a little trickier for us in general,” Piastri explained.

“I missed FP1 as well so that was my first long run and the race is always very different. I am pretty confident for tomorrow."

Read also:

Italian GP: Verstappen pips Norris to pole by 0.077s!

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