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lando norris qualifying reaction abu dhabi grand prix 2023

Norris 'too soft' on himself after 'stupid mistake' cost P2 in Abu Dhabi

25 November 2023 at 15:39
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  • Olly Darcy
  • Editor

It looked like Lando Norris was set for a front-row start at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. However, a mistake and a slap of oversteer in the final sector meant he lost too much time, meaning the British driver could only qualify for P5 as the chequered flag dropped.

Norris, who is fighting for P4 in the drivers' standings, was out-qualified by Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri and George Russell, meaning the 24-year-old will have some work to do if he wants to finish the 2023 season on the podium at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Norris lost 'four-tenths' after his 'frustrating mistake'

Speaking to GPblog and others after qualifying, Norris, who has been very critical of himself in certain interviews this year, was very unhappy with his performance. Asked if he would have the pace to turn it around tomorrow, he said, "I have no idea."

"It was a terrible day for me today. I did FP2, there were two red flags, and I've not done more than one lap in a row this weekend. I've not done one lap with more than 50 kilos of fuel. But the car has been very good all weekend with the few laps I've done. We'll find out."

"I'm fighting for a P2 and I end up P5 because of a stupid mistake. I'm too soft on myself."

Norris continued by saying, "I don't think it would have been P1. But you never know. I don't care if you just make any mistake. But in qualifying, when you're fighting for a good position, it's frustrating. But the thing is, I just make so many mistakes on Saturday at the minute. Every other lap was some of my best,. Q1 and Q2 were some of my best laps.

"My first lap in Q3 was very strong. Just one little mistake. I don't know why it happened. I've not done that all weekend. Frustrating, because I'm just doing a sh*t job on Saturday."