Once again, Formula 1 never fails to entertain us. The stunning race in Imola witnessed Max Verstappen in a league of his own, while Ferrari’s strong momentum took a turn as Carlos Sainz was forced to retire in the first lap, and Leclerc flipped into the barriers, struggling to match the Red Bulls.
The Tifosi would not have been pleased with the result. Meanwhile, Lando Norris’ wish yesterday came true as he finished on the podium after capitalizing on the errors from Ferrari drivers Leclerc and Sainz.
P3… AGAIN! 🙌🏆 @LandoNorris is on the podium at Imola for a second year running!#ImolaGP 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/00CKq7sB4I
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) April 24, 2022
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Lando Norris’ wish came true
Ahead of the race in Imola, the Young Briton revealed his excitement at coming back to this track. Last year, he finished 3rd behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton and celebrated on the podium. However, he admitted the team was not fighting for the podium positions this season, as Red Bull and Ferrari were in a league of their own.
Ahead of the race in Imola, he said, “We’re not back fighting for podiums just yet, but hopefully we can keep moving forward and get the most out of this weekend.”
Saturday’s sprint race saw Lando Norris starting from P3. However, he could not match Ferrari and Red bull’s pace as the top two teams leapfrogged him. As a result, he started from P5 in the race. In the post-sprint race interview, he admitted the team cannot match Red Bull and Ferrari, but hoped for a mistake from either of the teams.
He said, “You know there is some mishaps and they collide and whatever which when they are fighting for the championship and if that happens, we will be there to try and capitalize on it. Honestly, on the pace we are long, long way off and 5th and 6th is the best we can do so.”
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Well, fortunately, his wish came true as Norris is rejoicing on the podium again in Imola. Charles Leclerc’s spin into the barriers meant the Monegasque lost places during the end of the race and Norris was there to capitalize on it.
Lando Norris appreciates the team effort
Lando Norris was clearly ecstatic after an unlikely podium finish. He appreciated the efforts taken by the team to improve the car after a torrid start to the season.
Speaking after the race, Lando said, “Amazing race, an amazing weekend. The team deserve it, from where we were in race one to now scoring a podium. Top job to the team.
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Live from Imola! 📸😮#ImolaGP 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/3amAsGgEq2
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) April 24, 2022
“Everyone’s putting a lot of time and effort into this. I also like these conditions, I always do quite well! A great weekend, the hard work all pays off.”
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After a set of poor results in the Gulf, it looks like the Woking-based team has arrived at the scene. Although Ricciardo finished outside the points, a podium would have pleased McLaren and Lando Norris.