Mixed feelings at McLaren

Si Max Verstappen (Red Bull) managed to outclass the Mercedes during qualifying, Lando Norris (McLaren) also stood out this Saturday afternoon. Very comfortable on the Abouda track, the Englishman managed to propel his MCL35 to 4th place, less than three tenths from pole.

A very good but unexpected performance from Woking, as the main party himself says. “ This is my best result in qualifying this year (he equals his P4 at the Austrian GP, ​​editor’s note.) and it arrives when we least expected it. We were obviously very fast but above all we expected the Mercedes to have more pace and even to be ahead of the Red Bull. Ditto for the Racing Points.

I am very happy. This is my best session of the year and I can be proud of it. We changed a few settings when we got here. But I am also surprised to be only two tenths from pole whereas last weekend we were eight. It still bodes well and we can be delighted about it. ».

Strong start to 2020 

Strong finish to 2020 @LandoNorris powers to P4 in qualifying at Yas Marina – his best result since the opening weekend of the season #AbuDhabiGP  #F1 pic.twitter.com/TiSiKzuU7J

— Formula 1 (@F1) December 12, 2020

As for the race, Lando Norris is not getting too far ahead. For the British he “ We'll have to wait to see what we do. There are different strategies possible. Around me, a few drivers will be on medium tires. These will have an advantage on the long stints but not on the first laps. However, tomorrow (Sunday) I don't expect to fight with Max (Verstappen) or the Mercedes. If I win a place at the start, it will be difficult to keep it during the race ».

On the other side of the McLaren garage the feeling is a little more mixed. Despite a very good sixth place, Carlos Sainz did not seem entirely satisfied at the end of the session. “ Not counting Q3, it’s one of my best qualifications, he explained on the Movistar microphone.

I was able to get through to Q2 using only one set of tires. I did a very good lap. We took the gamble of moving into Q3 in mediums and it worked. Then in Q3, I lacked pace and perhaps time with the soft tires. It overheats very quickly and I didn't have a very good ride. Without this last run of Q3, it’s a very good session ».

If he does not say he is entirely satisfied, the Iberian sees the possibility of achieving a good Grand Prix in particular thanks to the bet on the mediums even if he calls for distrust. Strategy will be one of the keys to the race.

« We are one of the few cars that managed to get through to Q3 in mediums. It won't even be easy. When those wearing the soft tires stop between the 8th and 10th laps, it will be difficult since everyone will try to do the undercut. You will therefore have to choose between a long stint or stopping shortly after the first stops. The decision is not easy to make since you can easily lose positions. I still felt comfortable with the mediums throughout the weekend ". Encouraging.

Thanks to the 4th and 6th places of Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz, McLaren can still dream of third place in the Constructors' championship. With Lance stroll 8th and Sergio Pérez 19th, Racing Point, which is 10 points ahead of the Woking team, cannot rest on its laurels if it retains its place on the podium.