Norris critical of himself again: 'Paying the price'

F1 News

Norris frustrated with Belgian GP results
28 July at 16:15
17
  • Sophia Crothall
  • Editor

Whilst his teammate may have finished on the podium, Lando Norris finished further down the grid, in P6 behind Max Verstappen. After the race, the British driver was frustrated with his performance. 

Speaking to GPblog and others in the paddcock, Norris stated that he "misjudged" the start. "I just didn't want to get taken out in Turn 1, so I left the gap and just misjudged the exit a little bit." With Verstappen's penalty, the McLaren driver started P4 on the grid, but lost three places at the start. After this, he needed to recover, but he struggled. "It was just impossible to overtake. The overtaking sucked today, and I think there were very few overtakes actually done on the track but just in the pit stops," he explained. "The car was quick. I just don’t feel I could have maximised that."

Who does Norris blame for his performance? 

Norris' recent performance has been strong, finishing second in Hungary last weekend in the first McLaren one-two since 2021. The Brit is behind Verstappen in the Driver's standings, with the gap growing again today after he finished behind the Dutchman. Nevertheless, there have been repeated mistakes this season which have cost him crucial points. Asked what this could be because of, the McLaren driver replied, "Some of my starts have not been great. I've lost a good amount of points off the line and now turn one again, easily a podium or even more. There isn't one reason. I was just trying a bit too hard and paying a price for that."