An unexpected 3rd place for Norris on the grid in Melbourne: “Better than I expected!” »

The McLaren are back in business! After a more timid start to the season than expected, based on the previous season, the orange cars finally showed themselves at ease on the Albert Park track by performing well in qualifying in Melbourne. Lando Norris, fourth in Q3, will finally start from third position on the starting grid for the Australian Grand Prix, after the three-place penalty imposed on Sergio Pérez.

The Briton, who scored his best qualification since the United States Grand Prix last year, was more than happy with his performance during qualifying... and above all surprised to see himself so high on the timesheet. “It’s probably better than I expected, honestly. I didn't expect to be in front of one [of Ferrari] and it’s that of Charles [Leclerc], so it’s even more surprising! »

Norris confident for the future with McLaren

Beyond the joy caused by this third place on the grid, there is also relief on the side of Lando Norris, who was until then in difficulty against his teammate Oscar piastri during the Free Practice sessions in Melbourne.

“I’m happy with this day. I didn't feel like I did well this weekend., he confided after qualifying. I had a hard time getting things in place and feeling comfortable with the car, knowing how to push it. Normally, when I feel like I'm pushing, it's the opposite of what I want. As soon as I felt a little more comfortable, especially in qualifying, I felt like I could unlock more things that I wanted and I could control the car better. »

In Australia, McLaren finally seems to have unlocked the performance needed to outperform Aston Martin et Mercedes, its direct competitors for what appears to be a three-way battle for 3rd place in the Manufacturers' championship. If Lando Norris hopes to materialize this good overall result on Sunday during the Grand Prix, he underlines the progress made by McLaren and the good momentum launched in Melbourne.

“This is the reason why I signed with McLaren for many more years! I'm happy with where we are, what we're doing, and what we're trying to improve, but I know there are things that are missing that I'm having trouble replicating and unlocking myself, underlines the English pilot. So, when it happens, I smile a little, I can attack and I can drive a little more as I want, but it's rare that I have this feeling (…) We all work very hard at it and I think that good things are brewing. »

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