A visibly deflated and frustrated Lando Norris confessed to lacking pace after an unexpected sixth-place finish in Bahrain Grand Prix qualifying. His McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, a key rival, achieved pole position.
McLaren, leading the championship and demonstrating impressive speed throughout practice at Sakhir, was anticipated to dominate the front row for Sunday`s race.
However, their advantage diminished as qualifying progressed and track conditions cooled. While Piastri maintained a strong performance and secured pole, Norris ended up four-tenths of a second slower, placing him on the third row.
`I didn`t even improve by a tenth on my second Q3 lap,` a disappointed Norris told Sky Sports F1. `I`m simply not fast enough.`
In a brief post-qualifying interview, Norris, clearly upset, indicated his own performance as the reason for the setback. When questioned about where things went wrong, he pointed to himself, saying, `here.` He reiterated, `No idea. Honestly, no idea. Just not quick enough.`
Despite Norris`s disappointment, Piastri and McLaren anticipate a strong recovery from him in the race. If the race concluded based on the starting grid, Norris would lose his Drivers` Championship lead to Piastri for the first time this season.
Nevertheless, McLaren`s expected superior race pace on a track conducive to overtaking, with multiple pit stops likely, should enable Norris to advance through the field. His teammate certainly expects this. `It`s going to be close throughout the field,` Piastri commented to Sky Sports F1. `I`m definitely expecting Lando to move forward.`
Zak Brown, McLaren`s CEO, also expressed optimism for his slightly disheartened driver. `Tomorrow is a new day,` Brown stated. `He has a fantastic race car, he`s an exceptional driver, and he`s leading the championship, so it`s a fresh start, a good night`s rest. He just missed the first sector a bit, highlighting Formula 1`s intense competition.`
`Racing is definitely possible here, so we need a strong start. We anticipate a couple of pit stops tomorrow, potential Safety Car periods, and strategic plays to support him. He has a fast car at his disposal.`
