“Not Quite as Confident”: Despite a Strong Performance in Qualifying, Lando Norris Seeks Divine Intervention for a Strong Finish

The Austrian GP Qualifying session was an enthralling one. For Lando Norris, it was one of his best qualifying sessions this season. His flying lap landed him in P4, ahead of Lewis Hamilton and the two Aston Martins. The much-talked-about and anticipated McLaren upgrades finally saw the light of day. Though their car looked quicker than ever, Norris was cautious of over-expecting. And he has decided to seek help from the weather gods so that he can perform well.

Qualifying at the Red Bull Ring had become like a testing period for the FIA. The Stewards were deleting drivers’ lap times left and right. It looked as if some interns were being trained on how to take decisions. Owing to such deletions, Norris’ rookie teammate, Oscar Piastri held onto P1 in Q1 for a solid few minutes. Though he could not hold onto it long enough, because Verstappen set another flying lap and topped the charts again. And many other drivers overtook his time and he eventually got knocked out in Q2, unlike Lando.

It was the one good & somewhat expected result for McLaren – Norris setting the track on fire and securing P4. The upgrades worked out, and how. Regardless, Norris still expects some divine intervention to assist him in achieving what he wants. In a post-Qualifying interview, Norris said, “Quali, generally, we are better than the race. I don’t really know what to expect for tomorrow, or Sunday, let’s say. It depends on the weather. I’m praying probably for some rain, but if it’s dry too I don’t mind, I’m just maybe not quite as confident.”

How the weather pans out is not up to him. But, his team sure has supported him by taking action for an undeserved penalty he got at the Canadian GP.

Read More: “I Miss Him”: Emotional Lando Norris Pours His Heart Out for Daniel Ricciardo While Giving Heartwarming Insights Into Their Bromance

McLaren Asks for Review of Lando Norris’ 5-Second Penalty At the Canadian GP

At the Canadian GP, the yellow flags were out after George Russell’s crash. All cars were pitting under the Safety car. But, according to the stewards, Norris slowed more than required to avoid time lost in the pits owing to a double-stack. And because of that, the cars behind him had to suffer. At that point, the Briton had no clue why such a penalty was given as he was within the delta time.

Now, the team has given a statement saying that they have challenged the penalty. They said, “The team took the initial explanation onboard and decided to review the case in a calm and considered manner, performing comprehensive due diligence. After this careful and extensive review, we believe enough evidence exists to submit a ‘right to review’ to the FIA, which we have done so.”

Things might have started to look up for McLaren and Norris. A quicker car and a possibility of getting the Canadian GP position reinstated. The Sprint format even allows them to get accustomed to the new upgrades for the race tomorrow.

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