F1 News

Norris looks to secure points alongside Piastri

Should Verstappen be concerned by McLaren one-two? 'We can help each other'

21 July at 07:00
  • Sophia Crothall

It is the first time since 2012 that McLaren will start one-two on the grid for a Grand Prix. The pair will be looking to hold their positions as they contend with triple world-champion Max Verstappen. Nevertheless, there is one crucial mistake the two must not make in the process. 

As Lando Norris starts on pole, his teammate Oscar Piastri will join him on the front row. With this, it is crucial the two McLaren drivers do not cause an incident between each other, particuarly at the start of the race. Speaking in the post-qualifying press conference, the Brit explained how the two will manage this: "Honestly, it's something we'll talk about, and the same as we've always done. We've always kept it clean. I think we've treated each other well and given each other respect, helped each other when we needed to. No worries from our part," he said.

Do Norris and Piastri expect a McLaren win? 

Although last year it was Verstappen who won the race, Norris is hoping that this time around it will be him. If so, this would be the second win of his F1 career. Whilst there has been a number of times this season it looked like the Brit could win, he has not been able to do so. Nevertheless, the McLaren driver is not fazed by this extra pressure: "I feel as confident as we have been for a while. In both quali and races, we've been strong," he explained. "I think our bad one is still, been third or fourth, but our good ones have been chances to win. So definitely, once again, a good opportunity for that, for both of us and for us as a team to score some big points. And that's our target tomorrow."

Moreover, Piastri also senses his chances at his first F1 win or a good result. This will only be his second Formula One race at the Hungaroring, but this isn't a major concern for the Australian. "I don't think I've started this high up at Budapest before. It's obviously a long run to Turn 1, and it gives an opportunity for the slipstream behind. From starting fourth last year, I had a clean start and got to second. There's a lot that can happen at Turn 1," he explained. "I think if I get a good start, that always helps things. But it is a long run. And, there'll be other people involved, I'm sure."