Norris admits his mistake against Verstappen: “I left the door open like an amateur”

Failed again for Lando Norris ! The Briton once again lost his duel against Max Verstappen, smarter than his rival and friend at the start of the Austrian GP Sprint. Left on the front line, the pilot McLaren tried his luck on the 5th lap, with a successful attempt on the inside of turn 3. The reigning world champion, who did not have DRS on the return straight, then took his revenge by diving at inside turn 4. Lando Norris, surprised by this daring maneuver, had to give up his position to the driver Red Bull… but also to his teammate Oscar piastri !

THE MCLAREN ATTACK ON VERSTAPPEN 🥵🚀#AustrianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/Exltj5fzMv

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Trapped by Verstappen and Piatsri, Norris had to settle for 3rd place in the Sprint in Austria despite a very interesting pace. Lucid at the finish of the race, the Briton recognized a bad strategy in his defense against the Red Bull driver, giving the Dutchman an opportunity at turn 4. Disappointed with his defeat, the McLaren driver was however happy with the abilities displayed by his mount for qualifying and the Grand Prix.

Lando Norris (McLaren), 3rd in the Sprint in Austria : “Once things come together at the end, once the tires get too hot, it's difficult to do much. So I had to make the most of my luck. Then I blew it and left the door open, like an amateur. There are probably things I should have done a little better in my battle, but I am aware of them. »

“The pace of the car was very good, especially at the end of the race. I fought hard to try to pass Oscar [Piastri], but I didn't have enough top speed, considering the loss of time in sector 2 with the dirty air. It was still a good race. A good bunch of points for us, McLaren, and therefore a good job for the team. »

“[Verstappen] was just too difficult to pass, but our pace was good. I don't think we would have had the capacity to go with Max. He was perhaps a little too fast for us today. But tomorrow is another day and I will try again. (…) There are things to improve, but we are here and we can certainly give them a fight tomorrow. »

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