Mea culpa from Lando Norris who believes that with a successful qualification, Max Verstappen would have taken a turn on each of his competitors in Brazil as he walked on water…
Lando Norris had a nightmare Sunday in Brazil. Starting from pole position, when his opponent started from seventeenth place on the starting grid, the Briton had everything to achieve an excellent operation in the Drivers’ championship.
At the finish, however, it was the Dutchman who crossed the checkered flag first, the McLaren driver being only sixth. Although helped by some racing events, the reigning world champion delivered a demonstration under the deluge of Sao Paulo, in conditions that he particularly likes.
In the championship, the damage is there, since Norris is now sixty-two points behind his opponent, who will have a first match point in Las Vegas.
Verstappen in his element
Recognizing the clear superiority of Max Verstappen last weekend, the title holder’s closest pursuer believes that he would have been able to win the race in any conditions. If he had started from the front rows on the starting grid, Norris even believes that Verstappen would have been able to humiliate him further.
“The rear wing helped us but we just weren’t quick enough, confided Norris on the evening of the Brazilian Grand Prix. Max was easily faster than us. I think if he had gone ahead he probably would have given us all a ride. The pace was good. I think, similar to George Russell’s, but Red Bull was much faster. »
Domination outrageuse
Instead, Verstappen won the event by 19 seconds over the two Alpine drivers, setting nine of the race’s ten fastest laps in the process.
While he previously accused his rival of benefiting from luck, Norris now admits that even without the advantage conferred by the red flag, he would have finished far behind Verstappen.
“I couldn’t have done much more. I’m sure George probably feels like he won the race today, he deserved it more than anyone. I probably would have finished third, realistically. So it’s difficult. Max would have passed anyway and probably would have beaten us. I made some mistakes which I admit and which cost me a few positions in the end” concludes Lando.
