Norris: “We didn’t have the speed to stay in front of Ferrari” | FP – Hello

There is no microphone

Il Japanese Grand Prix did not meet the expectations of McLaren, who after Lando Norris’ 3rd place in qualifying was aiming for a podium with the British driver. Behind the two Red Bulls of Verstappen and Perez, Carlos Sainz, the former player of Woking, finished the top-3, on the podium for the third time this year after the same position achieved in Bahrain and, above all, after successfully winning in Melbourne.

Challenge lost by Leclerc

Behind the Spaniard was the second Ferrari of Charles Leclerc, voted Driver of the Day for tire management and for a strategy based on one pit stop, unlike all the other drivers in the top rankings. Furthermore, on the last lap before the Monegasque tire change, McLaren called Norris himself into the pits, as he was chasing the Ferrari driver at the time despite the latter’s mistake from turn 9.

The movement is not up to par

The challenge in the pits between the men from Ferrari and McLaren finally rewarded those from Maranello. So, behind the Red Bull and Ferrari duo, Norris so he crossed the finish line fifth place: “Tough race! We did a good test, but today we didn’t have enough paceso trying to cover and stay in front of the Ferrari was difficult – He agreed – I think we still did a good job and added points, but starting third and finishing fifth is not the best thing to do. It’s still the best we can achieve today, so I think we have to be satisfied with it, even if it doesn’t look like a good result to me.”

Further back also Piastri

Even more disappointing was the performance of Oscar Piastrewho also reached the point but only inside eighth place, behind two Mercedes and Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin. All this despite starting in sixth place: “It was a difficult afternoon – explained the Australian – things did not go well with we did not fight for the positions we wanted. However, this year is the last four points and there are many things to take inspiration from and learn from. We will return to the factory and turn our attention to China, where we will try to win another important point for the team.”