Lando Norris makes Max Verstappen feelings clear after securing pole at Spanish Grand Prix

Lando Norris believes Max Verstappen 'seemed stronger' this weekend despite beating the Dutchman to pole at the Spanish Grand Prix

REUTERS
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 22/06/2024

- 16:22

Updated: 22/06/2024

- 16:47

The Briton will look to win the main event in Barcelona on Sunday

Lando Norris believes Max Verstappen 'seemed stronger' this weekend despite beating the Dutchman to pole at the Spanish Grand Prix.

The Briton, who has already won the Miami Grand Prix so far this season, came quickest in qualifying on Saturday.


Norris has impressed on the grid so far this term, with the McLaren star securing pole on a day when there was a fire at his team's hospitality suite.

And now, speaking after his brilliant display, the 24-year-old has revealed his thoughts on Verstappen and how the weekend could pan out.

Lando Norris

Lando Norris believes Max Verstappen 'seemed stronger' this weekend despite beating the Dutchman to pole at the Spanish Grand Prix

REUTERS

"It was pretty much a perfect lap. You know when you are on a good lap and you are getting excited," he told Sky Sports.

"But the whole thing went perfectly in the end. Close still but super happy.

"I would say my best pole position. I have not had many but of the ones I have had my best.

"It has been close all weekend but really it was about a perfect lap and that is what I did today.

"It is not just this weekend- we have been fast the last two months, since Miami we have been strong.

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"We have missed out on pole by just not doing a perfect lap and today was a perfect lap.

"Max and Red Bull seemed a little bit stronger all weekend but we made some little changes for the final run, I had some areas to improve, and we did that.

"I know it is going to be tough against Max, against Lewis, and everyone behind.

"We are here to win so that is my plan."

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has also spoken out and was happy with the way both Norris and Oscar Piastri performed.

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"That was an awesome lap. I spoke to Lando and Oscar before they went out and Lando had the confidence that he had a shot at pole," he said.

"The team put him out at the right time, got a nice tow into the first sector.

"Oscar had a nice lap going but just pushed a little hard in the third sector.

"It was nice seeing the sectors come up with Lando.

"The weather looks a bit iffy tomorrow, our race pace looks strong, but anything can happen tomorrow."

Max Verstappen

Lando Norris finished ahead of Max Verstappen to secure pole at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday

REUTERS

As for Verstappen, the reigning F1 champion was disappointed by his failure to secure pole.

However, he's still convinced Red Bull will be able to secure Spanish Grand Prix glory on Sunday.

"I think in qualifying it was all coming together a bit nicer," he stated.

Lando Norris

Lando Norris was proud of his performance after securing pole position ahead of Max Verstappen at the Spanish Grand Prix

REUTERS

"The whole weekend we have tried to find a connected balance.

"I was quite happy in qualifying. I got a nice tow from Checo in Q3 but unfortunately it was not enough.

"That's how it goes sometimes but overall we can still be happy with that performance and it's all to play for tomorrow."

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