Norris as an outsider against the Red Bulls at Suzuka? “Last year, we had a great race…”

McLaren loves Japan, and their single-seaters too. In 2023, the Oranges had signed an impressive double podium at Suzuka, placing themselves as the main rivals of Red Bull et Max Verstappen. Bis repetita in 2024? It's off to a good start.

Lando Norris was “the best of the others” this Saturday in qualifying, setting the third time in Q3 behind the untouchable RB20s of Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez. The Briton, very comfortable on the Suzuka track, hopes to repeat last season's performance to achieve a second consecutive podium after that obtained in Melbourne.

Lando Norris (McLaren), 3rd in qualifying at Suzuka : “It's always exciting [to fight for pole at Suzuka], it doesn't happen that often. We had a very good car today, I was able to fight and put in some good laps, especially in Q3. I'm very happy, it's always nice here in front of the fans. It's a good result for us, for McLaren. Last year, we had a great race (both McLarens finished on the podium, Editor's note). »

“Of course [we’re aiming for the podium]! We had a good start to the weekend, we made good progress. We are trying to catch up with the two Red Bulls, but their team has done a great job, so well done to them, but we are working very hard and this work is slowly starting to pay off. Today marks a good start for this weekend, but tomorrow is where everything will be decided. »

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