Norris says McLaren 'Didn't have much of an advantage'

During the Saturday qualifying session, Norris crashed in Q3, leaving him to start the grand prix from 10th place on the grid. Despite gaining most of the positions back, he could not make the podium, barely missing out to Leclerc by one second.

Norris said, “Charles was quick. The pace was very strong. To finish nine seconds off the lead was a little bit surprising, so it showed our pace was very good.”

He was able to briefly lead the Grand Prix after those ahead of him started to pit. “Mainly considering the clean air around here, it's just a dream. Got a little stint when Charles boxed, my pace was very good. Of course not quite as good as the leaders on new tyres.”

However, Leclerc was able to better manage his tyres, taking his medium compounds further than his counterparts.

Norris said, “Clean air around here is just beautiful, so I made the most of that. Charles just did a very good first stint on the medium and therefore I didn't have a big tyre delta comparing to him. Nothing more to say. The Ferrari was quick, obviously Max was quick as well.”

He added, “Clearly, we didn't have much of an advantage. If anything, you would say Max was probably the quickest out there today. Which means we have some work to do.”

Norris’s teammate, Oscar Piastri, won the race and took over the lead in the championship from Norris. Piastri now leads by 10 points.