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Formula One F1 – Belgian Grand Prix – Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium – August 28, 2022. McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. during the drivers parade. Pool via REUTERS/Johanna Geron
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Formula One F1 – Belgian Grand Prix – Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium – August 28, 2022. McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. during the drivers parade. Pool via REUTERS/Johanna Geron
Lando Norris is the most stellar qualifier in the grid. While the man who became the only driver outside the Big 3 to claim a podium in 2022, he has now, just like Esteban Ocon, penetrated through the qualifying hegemony of the Big 3+ Aston Martin. While Alpine was an obvious choice for fifth, McLaren has been massively struggling and Lando Norris’ P3 lap was spectacular, but despite the hearty “Carlando” declaration, Norris has his fears.
Carlos Sainz, who is a home hero at the Spanish GP, is also Lando Norris’ best mate, even outside the grid. The duo who are not teammates anymore still share a solid bond and often serve us with wholesome moments. One such incident came to light after the Briton qualified behind his Spanish bestie. And while this won our hearts, the McLaren driver also has another fear.
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Formula One F1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – April 27, 2023 McLaren’s Lando Norris ahead of the Grand Prix REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
In the post-qualifying interview, Lando said, “It’s the home race for Carlos, so I thought I would give him a couple of tenths.” When asked what his target is for tomorrow after qualifying at a spectacular P3 spot. The hilarious Briton replied, “Just hold on for dear life.”
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And while the Briton kept his joke hat on, he also made a realistic assessment.
Lando Norris accepts defeat before the race
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Lando Norris qualified P3 for the Spanish GP is a well-aware driver. Knowing that his car cannot sustain the threat of the likes of Mercedes and Aston Martin. He even expects to get lapped twice by the likes of Sergio Perez.
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RECORD DATE NOT STATED Formula 1 2023: Australian GP MELBOURNE GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 30: Lando Norris, McLaren during the Australian GP at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit on Thursday March 30, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Lionel Ng / Sutton Images) Images) PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY GP2303_140748LN3_8593
As quoted by the Race, Lando said, “I probably won’t defend them, to be honest. We’ll just let them pass. It’s going to be a tough one, not just with them. They’re probably the easy people to race against. It’s going to be the Ferraris, the Astons, the Mercedes, the Alpines, the Haas… the grid.”
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Do you think Lando Norris has a fair chance of claiming a podium?
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