Lando Norris wasn’t shocked to see Max Verstappen declare pole for the F1 Qatar Grand Prix.
Verstappen endured a tough dash race in Qatar, ending eighth.
The Dutchman’s lack of tempo within the RB20 was so missing that he wasn’t capable of overtake Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg.
Nevertheless, Verstappen got here alive in qualifying for the grand prix, beating George Russell to take his first F1 pole place because the Austrian Grand Prix again in June.
Norris, who got here second within the dash race, appeared like he was going to be the favorite for pole heading into qualifying with McLaren excelling within the high-speed corners.
The British driver finally needed to accept third on the grid for Sunday’s race.
After qualifying, Norris was requested by Sky Sports activities if he was shocked to see Verstappen on pole in Qatar.
Norris replied: “Not a shock in any respect. When have they ever been dangerous the entire season?
“It was a shock they have been sluggish yesterday, not a shock they’re fast at the moment.”
It was a scrappy Q3 efficiency from Norris, who didn’t put a lap on the board till the dying moments of the session.
Regardless, Norris felt McLaren didn’t have the “similar potential” as Crimson Bull or Mercedes in qualifying on the Lusail Worldwide Circuit.
“I believe so. I do not suppose we’re as fairly as fast as what they have been at the moment,” he stated.
“I do not suppose I might have finished the identical lap occasions. As a Qualifying automotive, we a bit off and didn’t have the identical potential of Crimson Bull and Mercedes.
“However I am hoping it comes again to us within the race a bit bit. Exhausting to know, it’s superb margins. However I am hoping tomorrow performs a bit into our fingers once more.”
McLaren on verge of F1 constructors’ title
McLaren are inside touching distance of taking their first F1 constructors’ title since 1998.
In the event that they end 1-2 on Sunday, they’ll take the title with one race to go.
McLaren are 30 factors forward of Ferrari going into Sunday’s race.
Norris and Oscar Piastri will begin third and fourth on the grid, whereas Charles Leclerc begins simply behind them in fifth.
