Lando Norris (McLaren/2nd) wondered: “Where was the Ferrari?” / System 1

Before each race, the Formula 1 driver asks himself: “What is the day for the heart, in this Grand Prix?” Of course everyone expects a wild race that will hopefully push you as far as possible, but at the same time GP aces are also realists who can judge the speed of their opponents well. Naturally, because Lando Norris was completely surprised in China.

Second place for Lando Norris at the Shanghai International Circuit behind the seemingly untouchable Max Verstappen, which means the Brit finishes on the podium 15th in the premier class (the same number as Belgian Thierry Boutsen and Argentine José Froilán González. Norris is now often used the eighth placed second in his career, but he did not expect that in China.

The McLaren driver, chosen as the best driver of the day by Formula 1 fans, says honestly: “I am surprised and happy at the same time. I am very happy for the team, which helped me with flawless stops and a good race strategy.”

“I didn’t expect the race to go like this today. But I felt very good in the car and I was able to take care of my tires. “It was easier for me in the Grand Prix than in the race.”

“I was able to go as fast as I wanted, the car felt good in every phase of the race.”

“I’m very surprised today. I mean – what happened to Ferrari? Where did his speed go? They are usually the second strongest and so good at protecting the tires. And we ourselves did much faster in the Grand Prix than expected. And also faster compared to the car of Sergio Pérez.

“Before the race, I even made a bet with his race engineer about how many seconds I would finish behind the Ferrari. I said: 35 seconds. How wrong I was! But I’m very happy about the bad bets I’m making!”

Lando Norris made only two mistakes that day: After the race, as he had the right to the podium, he did not put his McLaren on the start/finish straight, but in the parc fermé. And later he put the hat of the third winner.

China-GP, Shanghai International Circuit

01. Max Verstappen (NL), Red Bull Racing, 1:40:52,554 h
02. Lando Norris (GB), McLaren, +13.773
03. Sergio Pérez (MEX), Red Bull Racing, +19,160
04. Charles Leclerc (MC), Ferrari, +23,623
05. Carlos Sainz (E), Ferrari, +33,983
06. George Russell (GB), Mercedes, +38,724
07. Fernando Alonso (E), Aston Martin, +43,414
08. Oscar Piastri (AUS), McLaren, +56.198
09. Lewis Hamilton (GB), Mercedes, +57,986
10. Nico Hülkenberg (D), Haas, +1:00,476 min
11. Esteban Ocon (F), Alpine, +1:02,812
12. Alex Albon (T), Williams, +1:05,506
13. Pierre Gasly (F), Alpine, +1:09,223
14. Guanyu Zhou (RCH), Sauber, +1:11,689
15. Lance Stroll (CDN), Aston Martin, +1:22,768
16. Kevin Magnussen (DK), Haas, +1:27.553
17. Logan Sargeant (USA), Williams, +1:35,110
outside
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS), Racing Bull, collision
Yuki Tsunoda (J), Racing Bulls, Collision
Valtteri Bottas (FIN), clean, engine

World Championship Position (after 5 out of 24 Grands Prix and 1 out of 6 Sprints)

the driver
01. Verstappen 110 points
02. Perez 85
03. Leclerc 76
04. Sainz 69
05. Norris 58
06. Plate 38
07. Russell 33
08. Alonso 31
09. Hamilton 19
10. Walk 9
11. Tsunoda 7
12. Oliver Bearman (GB) 6
13. Hulkenberg 4
14. Magnussen 1
15. Alboni 0
16. Okon 0
17. Zhou 0
18. Ricciardo 0
19. 0 gas
20. Bota 0
21. Sergeant 0

Builders Cup
01. Red Bull Racing 195 Punkte
02. Ferrari 151
03. McLaren 96
04. Mercedes 52
05. Aston Martin 40
06. Running Bull 7
07. Exactly 5
08. Williams 0
09. Alpine 0
10. Sauber 0